Download the Printables
Constitution and Jury System Student Worksheets
CONSTITUTION DAY PRINTABLES
U.S. Constitution Fact Sheet (PDF) Students will use this worksheet to familiarize themselves with dates, facts, vocabulary, and online resources pertaining to the United States Constitution.
The Constitution Comes to Life (PDF) Using a copy of the U.S. Constitution students will be asked to find out how each government institution listed in the worksheet was created. Students will then write a one-page journal entry describing what they think would have happened to the country if the Constitution has not been ratified.
The Right to Vote (PDF) Using a time line students will idenfity amendments and write a short explanation of the change it made. In part 2, students will answer five questions about the Constitutional Amendments.
Our Three Branches (PDF) Using this printable, students will describe how each branch’s officials are chosen. Have students use a copy of the Constitution, or other resources to help you complete the table. Students will then be asked to answer five questions about the three branches of government.
Considering the Constitution (PDF)
Students will read an article about a civil court case and then answer questions about what they’ve read. A sidebar section also highlights key components of the constitution as well as important historical constitutional facts.
Amazing Amendments (PDF)
Using the provided guide, students will be able to answer questions about the amendment process. Significant facts about amendments are also featured.
JURY SYSTEM PRINTABLES
Courtroom Vocabulary (PDF)
This worksheet will give students a working knowledge of how evidence is defined and used during a trial.
The Jury System on Trial (PDF) Students will use a table to compare the jury system to a judge-only system. Have students do research online or in the school library to help define the pros and cons of using each system. Students will then participate in an activity where they identify a series of questions they might ask potential jurors
Deciding by Group: You Are the Jury (PDF)
This 3-part worksheet will ask students to review information about a criminal court case and work together to reach a conclusion (verdict) based on the facts presented. Students will be encouraged to discuss how they came to make their decision as a group.
Comparing Trial Systems from History (PDF)
Students will be asked to list the advantages and disadvantages of four different types of trial systems.
Choose Your Method of Trial (PDF)
Students will be given a scenario where they are being accused of a crime. They will then be asked to choose a method of trial. On the worksheet, they will describe the crime are being accused of and give their explanation of what happened. After choosing the preferred method of trial, they will write a persuasive essay about their choice of trial.
Jury Duty Reproducible Student (PDF)
Using this printable, students will be asked to interview either a parent, guardian, older relative, or teacher about their jury duty experience. They will then use their interview answers and additional research to write an essay about the jury system in the United States.
Juror Selection (PDF)
Students will be given a court case scenario and interview answers from three potential jurors. They will be asked to decide whether each person would be a suitable juror for the case based on his/her answers. Additionally, students will list the advantages/disadvantages of each potential juror for the plaintiff and defendant.
I Object! (PDF)
In this activity, students will be asked to determine whether or not an attorney would object to an answer from a witness on the stand.
ADDITIONAL STUDENT RESOURCES
Constitutional Quizzes
These quick quizzes test your students’ knowledge about the history of the U.S. Constitution and the importance of the jury system.
Make Your Case: Interactive Mock Trial Game
The Make Your Case Interactive Mock Trial Game is a courtroom trial simulation in which students control the action in a television-like trial. After playing Make Your Case students will be able to:
• Understand the basic concept of due process of law
• Identify how the rule of law protects individual rights
• Describe how jury service protects individual rights and is a civic responsibility
• Understand the importance of due process to individuals and society
