The U.S. Constitution is full of difficult words and concepts that can be tricky for students. One of the best ways to increase student comprehension is to teach vocabulary words explicitly. In fact, studies show that about 80% of words are learned as a result of direct explanation (even in middle school!).
To help get you started, I have created an U.S. Constitution vocabulary list – complete with definitions and teaching suggestions!
Why Teach U.S. Constitution Vocabulary?
Vocabulary is the key that unlocks understanding. If students don’t know certain words, there are just some concepts they will not understand.
For example, imagine you are teaching a lesson about the precedents set by George Washington’s presidency. If your students do not have a solid understanding of the word precedent, most of your discussion will go right over their heads! Sure, students can use context clues and pull together a meaning. But without being explicitly taught the vocabulary word, they will not be able to grasp the full meaning of the word – with all of its nuances and deeper implications.
In this blog post, Lauren Brown illustrates the power of vocabulary. She said:
Students often whine about vocabulary tests. They just don’t see the point about memorizing a bunch of words that to them just mean the same thing as other words they already know. “Why do we need to know squalid,” they ask. “Can’t we just say dirty?”
But the [immigrant] tenements weren’t just dirty. They were, according to one definition of squalid, “extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect.” This seven-letter word speaks volumes about the conditions of the urban poor at the turn of the century in a way that “dirty” or “really bad” just doesn’t convey.
According to Brown, “vocabulary is a tool of thought.” As such, student thought is simplistic if they do not have a rich vocabulary. When students develop a more complex vocabulary, they are able to have more complex thoughts. And more complex thinking leads to greater overall school success!
Tips for Teaching U.S. Constitution Key Terms
To develop a wide vocabulary, students need both direct and indirect instruction. In addition, it is important for students to be exposed to the words multiple times. As vocab words are studied repeatedly and in a variety of meaningful contexts, student understanding will increase.
Here are some of my favorite ways to teach vocabulary:
- Involve students in creating a U.S. Constitution word wall.
- As each key term is taught, students add meaningful illustrations and definitions to the wall. Ensure each student has a copy of the word wall they can reference. You can do this in a vocabulary notebook!
- Play games with the terms. Playing games with vocabulary terms will help students understand and internalize word meanings in a fun and non-threatening environment. For example:
- Flipgrid: With this free app, students can make their own videos! Assign one word to each student and have them video record themselves teaching the definition and showing a real-life way to use the word.
- Guess My Word: First, write each vocabulary word on a sticky note. Next, place one sticky note on each student’s forehead (or back). Then, students ask questions to determine what word is written on their sticky note.
- This can be done in several different ways! For example, students can do this in small groups, or you can have one student come up in front of the class.
- Students guessing must ask YES or NO questions. Ex: Am I a verb? Am I a noun? Do I have a prefix? Would I come after BIRD in the dictionary?
- Optional: students guessing can access the list of vocabulary words.
Why I Chose these U.S. Constitution Words
When searching for vocabulary words, I tried to include a mix of words students would experience throughout their study of social studies (like ratify) as well as words that are more specific to studying the U.S. Constitution (like Federalist). I also chose words students would likely encounter multiple times in my U.S. Constitution Unit!
https://www.thecleverteacher.com/product/us-constitution-unit/
20 U.S. Constitution Words
- Article – A section of a legal document or agreement
- Constitution – A set of rules outlining what a government can and cannot do
- Federalist – A person who supported Federalism and the adoption of the U.S. Constitution
- Antifederalist – A person who was against the adoption of the U.S. Constitution
- Compromise – A deal between two groups in which both sides give up some things they want
- Checks and Balances – Each branch of government can “check,” or limit, the power of the other branches
- Federalism – When power is shared by the national and state governments
- Republicanism – A form of government where citizens are represented by elected officials
- Popular Sovereignty – When the government’s power comes from the consent of the people; if the government goes against the will of the people, then they have the right to change the government
- Separation of Powers – The government is divided into branches. Each branch has separate and independent powers
- Limited Government – When a government’s power is restricted by laws in order to protect individual rights and liberties; these laws are written in a constitution
- Term – The amount of time a position can be held; for example, a presidential term
- Executive Branch – The part of a government that enforces laws
- Legislative Branch – The part of a government that makes laws
- Judicial Branch – The part of a government that interprets laws
- Ratify – To officially approve something
- Convention – A meeting where people gather together for a common purpose
- Preamble – A document’s introduction that states its purpose
- Bill of Rights – The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution; it includes a list of citizens’ freedoms and rights as well as the limits of the government’s power
- Amendment – A change or addition to a law
Download the FREE U.S. Constitution Vocabulary List
I hope these tips and resources help to make vocabulary learning more exciting and meaningful in your classroom.
Download the free U.S. Constitution vocabulary list here!
Need more help teaching about the U.S. Constitution?
Are you looking for more resources to help you teach the U.S. Constitution?
- 3-Week U.S. Constitution Unit: This all-inclusive unit provides interactive lesson plans that will keep your students engaged and help them learn the information in a meaningful way.
- U.S. Constitution Primary Sources: An outline of 5 primary sources, complete with teaching suggestions. I have also created a compilation of primary sources for several other U.S. History topics as well!
- U.S. Constitution Videos: An overview of 5 videos teaching all about the U.S. Constitution.
US Constitution Lesson Plans for 5th Grade and Middle School
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