More than two centuries ago, our Founders drafted the Constitution to create an American government that could act with urgency on national issues without compromising individual rights and freedoms. It contained many provisions for rights but not a full listing of rights and protections from the government. Anti-Federalists fought hard to get a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution, and in 1791, the amendment process yielded the addition of the first 10 amendments, now referred to as the Bill of Rights. It spells out 27 provisions that protect a variety of rights and freedoms. As civic educators, we have the chance and the duty to make sure our students have a rich understanding of these rights and our constitutional history! 

December 15 is Bill of Rights Day.  People of the United States observe this day to commemorate the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791. The Center has many resources for you to use as you engage your students in inquiries and dialogues about the Bill of Rights. Whether you are looking for quick bell-ringer activities, sources for open or guided inquiry, or direct connections to We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution or Project Citizen, check out the curated podcasts, videos, readings, and lessons below.

Use these 60-Second Civics Podcasts at the beginning and/or end of each class or anytime you want students to have a little fun with a specific aspect of the Bill of Rights.

Use our videos from the Constitution EXPLAINED series to explore the constitutional underpinnings related to the Bill of Rights. Play each 2-4-minute video once, then ask an inquiry question. Play a second time and discuss. 

This course takes you from the philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution through the modern interpretation and application of its ideals. You will find videos of noted scholars explaining key aspects of the Constitution and online exercises to check for understanding. The course follows the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution Level 3 textbook, which has been used throughout the country to further understanding of our government and its fundamental principles.

This is a free, self-paced course. It contains six units of instruction with multiple lessons in each unit. You can complete the course at your own pace and in your own time. 

Correlations to Bill of Rights Day:

• The creation of the U.S. Constitution 

• The Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution 

• The rights protected by the Bill of Rights
• INDEX: Bill of Rights