Skip to Main Content
Lesson Plan Image

Constitutions Around the World

Many countries around the world have a constitution that includes protection of basic human rights. Students will learn about some of them and create an illustrated example of a Bill of Rights.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Hole Punch
  • Paper
  • Paper Clip(s)
  • Poster Board
  • Ribbon

Steps

  • Step 1

    A bill of rights is a document containing a formal statement about the rights of the people. In the United States, the Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution and includes freedom of speech and religion, the right to due process, the right to a speedy and public trial, etc. Have students explore several countries' constitutions and note how they compare and contrast. For example, the constitutions of Canada and South Africa include broader protections for socioeconomic rights, equality, and privacy than in the U.S. Constitution.

  • Step 2

    Have students write and  illustrate some basic human rights on squares of paper. They might be aligned with a formal Bill of Rights, or documented differently depending on the country examples they researched. Ask students to punch a hole in each corner of each square so that they can be linked, then hung and displayed. To connect the squares, students can insert a paper clip and they could also add a decorative touch by tying ribbon to connect the squares.

  • Step 3

    Display the rights in the classroom to remind everyone that there are human rights that cannot be infringed on.

Standards

SS: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions: Explore ways in which institutions (including voluntary associations/organizations, health care networks, etc.) are created to respond to changing individual and group needs. 

SS: Power, Authority, and Governance: Develop awareness of rights and responsibilities of people, in specific contexts.  

Adaptations

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA. Have students learn about the process leading up to the signing. Who drafted the Declaration of Independence? How many people signed it? What events led up to the meeting?

Invite a local representative to speak to the class, either in person or via video, about how government impacts the lives of the people in the community.