F R S T PRE S DEN C Y MESSAGE

President Gordon B. Hinckley President Thomas S. Monson First Counselor President Ezra Taft Benson Second Counselor

Our Dear Brothers and Sisters:

On September 17, 1987, we commemorate the two-hundredth birthday of the signing of the United States Constitution. The group of inspired men assembled for that convention produced the document that the Prophet Joseph Smith referred to as "a glorious standard" and "a heavenly banner."

In commemoration of this important event, we are providing this booklet, which contains three family home evening lessons, activity ideas, and a copy of the Constitution. We encourage you to prepare and teach each lesson prayerfully so that family members may feel the divine significance of the Constitution in their minds and hearts.

Faithfully, your brethren, The First Presidency

Cover: Scene at the Signing of the Constitution by Chandler Christy. Uni ted States Capitol Co llection. Architect of the Capi tol.

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah

Copyright © 1987 by Corporation of the Pres ident of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America SECTION ONE "The Event Is in the Hand of God" George Washington

important statement about the "I testify that the God of heaven selected uggested lesson for adults and convention's purpose . (Have someone and sent some of his choicest spirits to lay Sfamilies with older children. read aloud the following statement by the foundation of this [the American] Substitute similar ideas and materials if Washington. ) government as a prologue to the desired. restoration of the gospel and the second "Let us raise a standard to which the wise coming of our Savior" (in Conference and honest can repair. The event is in Report, Apr. 1976, p. 138; or Ensign, PREPARATION the hand of God" (in William Peters, A May 1976, p. 93). More Perfect Union [N ew York: Crown Read the entire lesson and then arrange Publishers, 1987], p. 18) . It was part of the Lord's plan to establish for needed materials. These may include: this country and its Constitution. He Writing the Constitution was a difficult revealed the events of that plan to the A. The map of the thirteen states with process. The delega tes held many prophet Nephi more than one thousand each state 's delegates listed (see different opinions about what authority years before Columbus came to America. p. 15). government should have and how it should be organized. However, after Word-scramble Puzzles B. One or more copies of the Book of nearly seventeen weeks of proposa ls and Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, debates, this diverse group of men 1. LUUOCMSB and Pearl of Great Price. produced a doc ument considered by C. The five word-scramble pu zz les, each many to be a miracle. They created a 2. GPILlSRM copied on a separate piece of paper. plan for a government that is so well balanced that no social or geographic 3. EMCAARI D. The missing vowel pu zzle copied on a group can dominate any other; a sheet of paper large enough for government strong enough to protect the everyone to see. individual rights of all its citizens and yet 4. TIISRBH not invade their privacy nor infringe on E. George Washington's statement their freedom. 5. UTYIVLEOONARR RWA written on a piece of paper. Part of the Constitution's sacred F. President Ezra Taft Benson's importance fo r Latter-day Saints is based 1. Have 1 Nephi 13: 12 read aloud. Hold statement written on a piece of paper. on the principle of agency. Arguments up word-scramble 1 and ask: over this principle began in the council o Who was "the man among the Present the material in your own words. of heaven before the earth was created. Genti les" in verse 12? (Columbus. ) Discussion questions are indentified with dots (0). (Have someone read aloud Moses 4: 1-4. Then, referring to these verses, discuss 2. Have 1 Nephi 13: 13 read aloud. Hold the following. ) up word-scramble 2 and ask: o Who are the "other Gentiles" in PRESENTATION o What did Satan try to destroy? (Verse 3: man's agency. ) verse 13 ? (Pilgrims. This, of course, The Lord Guided the Preparation of the includes other early colonizers. ) o What is the difference between U.S. Constitution to Preserve Freedom "agency" and "freedom" ? (Agency is the 3. Have 1 Nephi 13: 14-16 read aloud. and to Prepare for the Gospel's right to make our own choices. Freedom Hold up word-scramble 3 and ask: Restoration is the ability to exercise our agency.) o What is the "land of promise" in Soon after the revolutionary war, leaders verse 14? (America.) of the United States saw the need for a o Why is fre edom important ? (It is stronger government. Therefore, in through the free exercise of agency that 4. Have 1 Nephi 13 :17-18 read aloud. February, 1787, Congress asked the we can full y mature and develop our Hold up word-scramble 4 and ask: thirteen states to send representatives to greatest potential. ) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Show the Because of our Constitution, we enjoy o Who are the "mother Gentiles" in map, p. 15.) Fifty-five delega tes came, freedom that very few people have verse 17? (British.) representing every state but Rhode experienced. President Ezra Taft Benson Island. George Washington was explained why we have been blessed with 5. Hold up word-scramble 5 and ask: president of the convention and during our Constitution. (Have someone read o What is the "battle" referred to in one of the early meetings made an his statement that follows.) verses 17-18? (Revolutionary war.)

3 From a military standpoint, the colonists That war was a long time ago, and many should not have won the war for uggested lesson for families with things have changed since then. Great independence. Their armies were greatly young children. Substitute similar Britain and our country are now good outnumbered. They did not have enough ideas and materials if desired. friends. weapons, food, or clothing. They lost (Hold up the signing of the Constitution most of their battles. But, they won the PREPARATION picture. ) Not long after the country war! became the United States of America, (Have 1 Nephi 13: 19 read aloud.) some men met to decide what kind of Read the entire lesson and then arrange rules we should have here. They wrote o Why did the colonists win? (They for needed materials. These may include: "were delivered by the power of God. ") the rules down and called them the It was part of the Lord's plan to help the A. Cut out the three pictures on page 13 Constitution. (Show the Constitution, colonists win their war for independence. and make them into puppets by pages 8 and 9.) This year the taping them to the ends of sticks, Constitution will be two hundred See if you can read what the Lord said pencils, or spoons. years old. about this in the Doctrine and Heavenly Father loves us very much and Covenants. (Display and explain the B. Make drawings, or obtain pictures of: · puzzle.) wants us to be happy. He wants us to (1) an LDS meetinghouse, (2) a learn and grow and be like him. To make school, and (3) a letter-size envelope sure this could happen, he helped this Missing Vowel Puzzle ready to be mailed. country be free and he helped the men ~D F_R HLS P--RP _S_ Present the material in your own words. who wrote the Constitution to make Discussion questions are identified with good rules. Because of the Lord's help, dots (0). we live in a land where we can choose our own leaders and make our own rules. We call this "freedom." We are free to PRESENTATION learn about the Lord, to go to Church (show a picture of an LDS meetinghouse), to school (show a picture The Constitution Blesses Us with of a school), and to tell our government Good Rules leaders what we think without getting o Can you name some of our family rules? into trouble (show a picture of a letter) . (Briefly name some of your family rules.) Because of the Constitution, we are free to do a lot of things many people in other o What are rules and why do we have parts of the world cannot do. Weare very All vowels have been removed from this them? (Rules are things we are supposed to do. We have rules so that we won't get blessed to have these good rules called scripture. Solve the puzzle by filling in the Constitution. the vowels so you can read the verse. hurt and so that we can keep our things Then search for the verse in the Doctrine from getting lost or broken. Rules help us and Covenants. (Tell family members to to be happy.) use the index. [Hint: look under (Tell the following story using the soldier "Constitution. "] After Doctrine and puppets.) Covenants 10 1: 80 is located, have verses 79-80 read aloud. Write the Over two hundred years ago, long before reference, Doctrine and you and I were born, there was a terrible Covenants 101:80, on the bottom of the war. Some people from a far away missing vowel puzzle. Display the country called Great Britain (hold up the finished puzzle in a prominent place as a British soldier) were fighting the people lesson reminder during the week. ) who lived in this country (hold up the American soldier). People in Great Britain wanted to make the rules for the CONCLUSION people here, but many of the rules were not good. So, when the people here This country and its Constitution are wanted to make their own rules, a war part of the Lord's plan to restore the began. (Move the two puppets to look as gospel and help protect the freedom of all if they are in battle. ) They fought for people. many years, and many were killed. Finally, the people here won the war. (Have family members tell how they (Put down the British soldier puppet.) At personally feel about the blessings of last they could make their own rules. freedom, the Constitution, and the They made a new nation called the Restoration. ) United States of America, and they were (Possible activity: one from pages 13-14, very happy. (Put down the American such as 1, 2, or 4.) soldier puppet. )

4 SECTION TWO "In Order to Form a More Perfect Union" Preamble to the Constitution

We will start with the introduction, the The Constitution establishes a uggested lesson for adults and Preamble. government with limited and separated Sfamilies with older children. powers. This prevents any branch of (Have the Preamble read aloud [see back Substitute similar ideas and materials if government from becoming too powerful. desired. cover and p. 8, at the top]. After this lesson, you may display a copy of the (Hold up the chart on page 6 as you PREPARATION Preamble [see back cover] in a prominent present the following.) place to reinforce this lesson during the The second section of the Constitution, week.) Read the entire lesson and then arrange the "articles," outlines the duties and for needed materials. These may include: o Why did the makers of the Constitution powers of three branches of government: write the Preamble ? (To outline the the legislative, executive, and judicial. A. One or more copies of the Book of correct purposes of government.) Mormon and the Doctrine and The legislative branch makes or Covenants. (Place the copy of the Preamb le face "legislates" laws. It is also called "Congress." Congress is divided into two B. President Ezra Taft Benson's down and hand out the slips of paper groups: the House of Representatives and statement written on a piece of paper. marked with the Preamble's phrases [but not the definitions] shown below. Have the Senate. C. A copy of the Preamble (see back each phrase held up one at a time and The executive branch is headed by the cover). discuss the meaning of each. Be sure to president of the United States, who D. Phrases from the Preamble written on bring out the points mentioned.) "executes" the laws, or, in other words, pieces of paper. (Note: Original A. "We the People" (A reminder that sees that the laws are followed. spelling and punctuation have been government's power comes from the The judicial branch includes the used.) people it serves.) Supreme Court and many lower courts. It E. Separation of governmental powers B. "In Order to form a more perfect "judges" or decides if laws agree with the chart (see p. 6) . Union" (To help our nation's many Constitution. It sees that people are F. A copy of the Bill of Rights (see p. 7). states be more unified. ) treated fairly and equally under the law. It also interprets laws and defines what Present the material in your own words. C. "Establish Justice" (To make sure the laws mean and how they are to be Discussion questions are identified with dots (0). people are treated equally and fairly. ) applied. D. "Insure domestic Tranquility" (To We choose the people who represent us PRESENTATION keep the citizens of our country from in the legislativr and executive branches. fighting each other. ) These include the president of the We Must Understand the Principles of E. "Provide for the common defence" United States, senators, and the Constitution (To protect our nation from outside representatives. (See if you can name enemies.) your representatives in Congress.) This nation and its Constitution are part of God's plan to protect his children's F. "Promote the general Welfare" (To The judges are appointed by the freedom. Because of the freedoms here, help protect our health and president, but they must also be approved the Lord could restore the gospel and happiness. ) by the Senate before they can serve. bless the world. G. "Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Other articles of the Constitution are Our prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson, ourselves and our Posterity" (To keep about the relationship of states to the has told us to learn the Constitution's government from becoming too federal government, how to change or principles. (Read President Benson's powerful and to protect our freedoms "amend" the Constitution, and the statement aloud.) and the freedoms of our children and establishment of the Constitution as the future generations.) supreme law of the country. "We should understand the Constitution The third section of the Constitution as the founders meant that it should be (After discussing the meaning of the consists of the twenty-six changes or understood. . . . Such understanding is Preamble's phrases, mix up the pieces of essential if we are to preserve what God additions called "amendments" (see paper and pass them out to the family pp. 7, 10). has given us" (in Conference Report, members. See if they can place them face Apr. 1976, p. 138; or Ensign, May 1976, up on a table or the floor in their proper (Hold up the Bill of Rights [see p. 7] and p.93). sequence. Then, display the copy [see present the following. ) To understand the Constitution better, back cover] and have everyone repeat The first ten amendments are called the we will review its three major parts. aloud the entire Preamble together.) Bill of Rights. These include the

5 guarantee of personal rights and established by the Constitution that powers and duti es are separated and freedoms. (See how many you can name. demonstrate the di vine inspiration in the divided, no branch of government can Refer to the Bill of Rights as needed.) Constitution's creation. These could become too powerful.) (Have Doctrine and Covenants 98:5-6 include: (1) Personal freedoms are (Possible acti vities: see pages 13- 14, read aloud.) guaranteed; (2) Government power such as 7 and 8.) ultimately comes fro m the people it (Discuss at least three conditions serves; and (3) Because government

suggestions. Then say: ) • Do you know what our president's uggested lesson for families with name is? young children. Substitute similar We only have time to play one of the ideas and materials if desired. games. Let's choose one. (Let the fami ly Voting is like trying to decide which discuss and choose a suitable game; game to play for home evening. PREPARATION play it.) Sometimes each of us wants to play Games are fun to play. But they are only something diffe rent. Then we talk about fun if everyone follows the rules. The it and choose, or vote, for a game we will Read the entire lesson and then arrange all play, just as we did when home for needed materials. These may include: rules are important so that everyone will enj oy the game. evening began. 1. Materials for a favorite family game. (Show the copy of the Constitution In some areas around the world, the 2. A copy of the Constitution (see [pp. 8 and 9).) people are not allowed to vote or choose pp. 8-9). their leaders. We are very blessed to li ve 3. A favorite dessert or treat. Our country has rules, too. They are in the United States where we have good called the Constitution. The Lord helped rules, like the Constitution, that let us some men write the Consti tution so that vote for the people we want to lead us. PRESENTATION we can enj oy living in this country. One of the Constitution's rules lets us vote. • What does to vote mean ? (To choose.) Voting Means I Can Help Choose That means we can help choose. In this At the beginning of home evening we Let's playa game. What game shall we country we can help choose our leaders voted on which game to play. Now let's play? (Let the family offer several such as the president of the United States. have another vote. Who wants dessert? Balanced National Government: Three Branches ARTICLE I ARTICLE II ARTICLE III Judicial Branch Interprets the Cons titution and Laws

Senate House ofRepr~se n t a t i ves Can override a president's ve to by a Can proposed by Congress two-thirds vote Appoints Supreme Co ustice Can impeach and remove a pres ident from office Can refuse to approve pres idential appointees or trea ti es Can amend the Constitution

6 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

ARTICLE I The Legislative Branch office under the United States shall be a member of executing its inspection laws; and the net produce of all time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of either house during his continuance in office. duties and imposts, laid by any state on imports or the Supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices Section I-Congress Section 7-Procedure for Passing Laws exports, shall be for the use of the treasury of the during good behavior, and shall, at stated times, Legislative powers. All legislative powers herein United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the . receive for their services a compensation, which shall granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United 1. Revenue bills. All bills for raiSing revenue shall revision and control of the Congress. not be diminished during their continuance in office. States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of originate in the House of Representatives; but the 3. No state shall, without the consent of Congress, Section 2-Jurisdiction Representatives. Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in other bills. 1. Federal courts in general. The judiCial power shall Section 2-The House of Representatives time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact 2. How bills become laws. Every bill which shall with another state or with a foreign power, or engage extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this 1. Composition, term, election. The House of have passed the House of Representatives and the Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties Representatives shall be composed of members chosen in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Senate shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to danger as will not admit of delay. made, or which shall be made, under their authOrity; to every second year by the people of the several states, the president of the United States; if he approves he all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and the electors in each state shall have the shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his ARTICLE II Executive Branch and consuls; to all cases of admiralty and maritime qualifications requisite for electors of the most objections, to that house in which it shall have jurisdiction; to controversies to which the United States numerous branch of the state legislature. originated, who shall enter the objections at large on Section I-President and Vice-president shall be a party; to controversies between two or more 2. Qualifications. No person shall be a representa­ their journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such 1. Executive power; term of president. The executive states; between a state and citizens of another state; tive who shall not have attained to the age of twenty­ reconsideration, two-thirds of that house shall agree to power shall be vested in a president of the United between citizens of different states; between citizens of five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the States of America. He shall hold his office during the the same state claiming lands under grants of different States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhab­ objections, to the other house, by which it shall term of four years, and, together with the vice­ states; and between a state, or the citizens thereof, and itant of that state in which he shall be chosen. likewise be reconsidered, a nd if approved by preSident, chosen for the same term, be elected as foreign states, citizens, or subjects. 3. Apportionment of representatives and direct taxes. two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in follows . 2. Supreme Court. In all cases affecting ambassadors, Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned all such cases the votes of both houses shall be 2. Electors. Each state shall appoint, in such manner other public ministers and consuls, and those in which among the several states which may be included within determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of a state shall be party, the Supreme Court shall have this Union, according to their respective numbers, persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered electors, equal to the whole number of senators and original jurisdiction. In all the other cases before which shall be determined by adding to the whole on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill representatives to which the state may be entitled in mentioned, the Supreme Court shall have appellate number of free persons, including those bound to shall not be returned by the president within ten days the Congress; but no senator or representative, or jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such service for a term of years, and excluding Indians not (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to person holding an office of trust or profit under the exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had United States, shall be appointed an elector. shall make. enumeration shall be made within three years after the signed it, unless the Congress by their adjournment 3. Original election method. The electors shall meet 3. Trial rules. The trial of all crimes, except in cases first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a law. in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such trial shall be within every subsequent term of ten years, in such 3. The President's approval or disapproval (veto persons, of whom one, at least, shall not be an held in the state where the said crimes shall have been manner as they shall by law direct. The number of power). Every order, resolution, or vote to which the inhabitant of the same state with themselves. And they committed; but when not committed wi thin any state, representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty concurrence of the Senate and House of Representa­ shall make a list of all the persons voted for, and of the the trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress thousand, but each state shall have at least one tives may be necessary (except on a question of ad­ number of votes for each; which list they shall sign and may by law have directed. representative; and until such enumeration shall be certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the journment) shall be presented to the president of the Section 3--Treason made, the state of New Hampshire shall be entitled to United States; and before the same shall take effect, government of the United States, directed to the choose three; Massachusetts, eight; Rhode Island and president of the Senate. The president of the Senate 1. Definition; evidence. Treason against the United shall be approved by him, or, being disapproved by States shall consist only in levying war against them, or Providence Plantations, one; Connecticut, five; New him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of York, six; New Jersey, four; Pennsylvania, eight; Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and House of Representatives, according to the rules and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless Delaware, one; Maryland, six; Virginia, ten; North limitations prescribed in the case of a bill. shall then be counted. The person having the greatest Carolina, five; South Carolina, five; and Georgia, three. number of votes shall be the preSident, if such number on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt 4. Vacancies. When vacancies happe n in the Section S-Powers Granted to Congress be a majority of the whole number of electors act, or on confession in open court. representation from any state, the executive authority 1. The Congress shall have power to lay and collect appointed; and if there be more than one who have 2. Punishment. The Congress shall have power to thereof shall issue writs of electio n to fill such taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts such majority, and have an equal number of votes, declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of vacancies. and provide for the common defense and general then the House of Representatives shall immediately treason shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture 5. Officers and impeachment. The House of welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts, choose by ballot one of them for president; and if no except during the life of the person attainted. Representatives shall choose their speaker and other and excises shall be uniform throughout the United person have a majority, then from the five highest on officers and shall have the sole power of im­ States; the list the said House shall in like manner choose the ARTICLE IV Relations of the States peachment. 2. To borrow money on the credit of the United president. But in choosing the preSident, the votes Section I-Acts, Records, and Court Proceedings States; Section 3--The Senate shall be taken by states, the representation from each Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the 3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall 1. Composition, term. The Senate of the United publiC acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every among the several states, and with the Indian tribes; consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the States shall be composed of two senators from each other state. And the Congress may by general laws 4. To establish a uniform rule of naturalization and states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary state, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years; prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. and each senator shall have one vote. throughout the United States; 2. Classification. Immediately after they shall be preSident, the person having the greatest number of 5. To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of votes of the electors shall be the vice-president. But if Section 2-States' and Citizens' Privileges assembled in consequence of the first election, they foreign coin, and fi x the standard of weights and 1. Citizens' privileges. The citizens of each state shall shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. there should remain two or more who have equal measures; votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in The seats of the senators of the first class shall be 6. To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting vice-preSident. the several states. vacated at the expiration of the second year, of the the securities and current coin of the United States; 4. Time of elections. The Congress may determine 2. Extradition. A person charged in any state with second class at the expiration of the fourth year, and of 7. To establish post offices and post roads; treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee from the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that the time of choosing the electors and the day on which S. To promote the progress of science and useful they shall give their votes, which day shall be the same justice and be found in another state, shall, on demand one-third may be chosen every second year; and if arts, by securing for limited times to authors and throughout the United States. of the executive authority of the state from which he vacancies happen by resignation, or otherwise, during inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings fled, be delivered up to be removed to the state having the recess of the legislature of any state, the executive 5. Qualifications. No person except a natural born and discoveries; citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of jurisdiction of the crime. thereof may make temporary appointments until the 9. To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme 3. Fugitive laborers. No person held to service or next meeting of the legislature, which shall then fill the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Court; office of president; neither shall any person be eligible labor in one state, under the laws thereof, escaping into such vacancies. 10. To define and punish piracies and felonies another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation 3. Qualifications. No person shall be a senator who to that office who shall not have attained to the age of committed on the high seas, and offenses against the thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall not have attained to the age of thirty years, and law:of nations; shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who within the United States. 11. To declare war, grant letters of marque and 6. President's disability or removal. In case of the such service or labor may be due. shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land removal of the president from office, or of his death, for which he shall be chosen. Section 3--New States and Territories and water; resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and 1. Admission of new states. New states may be 4. President of Senate. The vice-president of the 12. To raise and support armies, but no duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the United States shall be president of the Senate, but shall admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer vice-president, and the Congress may by law provide state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction have no vote, unless they be equally divided. term than two years; for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, 5. Other officers. The Senate shall choose their other of any other state; nor any state be formed by the 13. To provide and maintain a navy; both of the president and vice-preSident, declaring junction of two or more states, or parts of states, officers, and also a president pro tempore, in the absence 14. To make rules for the government and regulation of the vice-president, or when he shall exercise the what officer shall then act as president; and such officer without the consent of the legislatures of the states of the land and naval forces; shall act accordingly until the disability be removed, or office of president of the United States. concerned as well as of the Congress. 15. To provide for calling forth the militia to execute a president shall be elected. 6. Impeachments. The Senate shall have the sole 2. Power of Congress over territory and property. the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and 7. Salary. The president shall, at stated times, power to try all impeachments. When sitting for that The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make repel invasions; receive for his services a compensation, which shall all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the 16. To provide for organizing, arming, and neither be increased nor diminished during the period president of the United States is tried, the chief justice or other property belonging to the United States; and disciplining the militia, and for governing such part of for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to shall preside: and no person shall be convicted without them as may be employed in the service of the United receive within that period any other emolument from the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any States, reserving to the states, respectively, the the United States, or any of them. particular state. 7. Judgment in cases of conviction. Judgment in cases appointment of the officers, and the authority of S. Oath of office. Before he enter on the execution of of impeachment shall not extend further than to training the militia according to the diSCipline his office, he shall take the following oath or Section 4--Protection of States Guaranteed removal from office, and disqualification to hold and prescribed by Congress; affirmation: Republican govemment; protection against invasion enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the 17. To exercise exclusive legislation in all cases "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and rebellion. The United States shall guarantee to United States: but the party convicted shall whatsoever, over such district (not exceeding ten miles execute the Office of President of the United States, every state in this Union a republica n form of nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the and will, to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect, government, and shall protect each of them against judgment, and punishment, according to law. acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the and defend the Constitution of the United States." invasion; and, on application of the legislature, or of Section 4--Congressional Elections and Meetings government of the United States, and to exercise like the executive (when the legislature cannot pe Section 2-Powers of the President 1. Election regulations. The times, places, and authority over all places purchased by the consent of convened) against domestic violence. the legislature of the state in which the same shall be 1. Military powers, reprieves, and pardons. The manner of holding elections for senators and President shall be commander in chief of the army and ARTICLE V Amending the Constitution representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings; and navy of the United States, and of the militia of the The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time several states when called into the actual service of the by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the IS. To make all laws which shall be necessary and shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to United States. He may require the opinion, in writing, places of choosing senators. proper for carrying into execution the foregOing this Constitution, or, on the application of the powers, and all other powers vested by this of the principal officer in each of the executive legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call 2. Meeting of Congress. The Congress shall assemble departments upon any subject relating to the duties of at least once in every year, and such meeting shall be Constitution in the government of the United States or a convention for proposing amendments, which, In in any department or officer thereof. their respective offices; and he shall have power to either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the law appoint a different day. part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Section ~Powers Denied to Congress United States, except in cases of impeachment. legislatures of three-fourths of the several states, or by Section 5--Congressional Rules and Procedures 1. The migration or importation of such persons as 2. Treaties, appointments. He shall have power, by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the 1. Admission of members; quorum. Each house shall any of the states now existing shall think proper to and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make other mode of ratification may be proposed by the be the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications admit shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present Congress; provided that no amendment which may be of its own members, and a majority of each shall the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred constitute a quorum to do business; but a smaller tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth number may adjourn from day to day, and may be exceeding ten dollars for each person. ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that authorized to compel the attendance of absent 2. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its members, in such manner and under such penalties as be suspended, unless, when in cases of rebellion or the United States whose appointments are not herein equal suffrage in the Senate. each house may provide. invasion, the public safety may require it. otherwise provided for, and which shall be established 2. Rules of procedure. Each house may determine the 3. No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be by law; but the Congress may by law vest the ARTICLE VI General Provisions rules of its proceedings, punish its members for passed. appointment of such inferior officers, as they think 1. Debts recognized. All debts contracted and en­ disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of 4. No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, proper, in the president alone, in the courts of law, or gagements entered into before the adoption of this two-thirds, expel a member. unless in proportion to the census or enumeration in the heads of departments. Constitution shall be as valid against the United States 3. Journals. Each house shall keep a journal of its herein before directed to be taken. 3. Filling vacancies. The president shall have power under this Constitution as under the Confederation. proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, 5. No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the 2. Supreme law of the land. This Constitution and excepting such parts as may in their judgment require from any state. recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which the laws of the United States which shall be made in secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of either 6. No preference shall be given by any regulation of shall expire at the end of their next session. pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall house on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of commerce or revenue to the ports of one state over Section 3--0ther Powers and Duties of the President be made, under the authority of the United States, shall those present, be entered on the journal. those of another; nor shall vessels bound to or from one be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every 4. Adjournment. Neither house, during the session state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another. He shall from time to time give to the Congress state shall be bound thereby, anything in the information of the state of the Union, and recommend of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, 7. Public money. No money shall be drawn from the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary to their consideration such measures as he shall judge adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by notwithstanding. place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. law; and a regular statement and account of the receipts necessary and ex pedient; he may, on extraordinary 3. Oath of office. The senators and representatives a nd expenditures o f all public money shall be occasions, convene both houses, or either of them, and Section 6-Compensations, Privileges, and before mentioned, and the members of the several state published from time to time. in case of disagreement between them with respect to Restrictions legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both S. Titles of nobility. No title of nobility shall be the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such of the United States and of the several states, shall be 1. Compensation and privileges. The senators and time as he shall think proper; he shall receive granted by the United States; and no person holding bound by oath or affirmation to support this representatives shall receive a compensation for their any office of profit or trust under them shall, without ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, care that the laws be faithfully executed and shall as a qualification to any office or public trust under the treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, commission all the officers of the United States. emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from United States. except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, be any king, prince, or foreign state. privileged from arrest during their attendance at the Section 4--Impeachment ARTICLE VII Ratification session of their respective houses, and in going to and Section IO-Powers Denied to the States The preSident, vice-president, and all civ il officers of returning from the same; and for any speech or debate 1. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or the United States shall be removed from office on im­ The ratification of the conventions of nine states shall in either house, they shall not be questioned in any confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin peachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution other place. money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and other high crimes and misdemeanors. between the states so ratifying the same. 2. Holding other offices prohibited. No senator or sil ver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of ARTICLE III Judicial Branch Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the representative shall, during the time for which he was attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the states present, the seventeenth day of September in the elected, be appointed to any civil office under the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. Section I-Federal Courts year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and authority of the United States, which shall have been 2. No state shall , without the consent of the Judicial power; judges. The judiCial power of the eighty-seven, and of the independence of the United created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court, States of America, the twelfth. In witness whereof we increased during such time; and no person holding any exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for and in such inferi or courts as the Congress may from have hereunto subscribed our names. F R s T T E N A M E N D M E N T s Bill of Rights Ratified 15 December 1791

AMENDMENTl AMENDMENT 4 process of law; nor shall private property according to the rules of the common be taken for public use without just law. Freedom of Religion, Speech, and the Search and Arrest Warrants compensation. Press; of Assembly Petition The right of the people to be secure in AMENDMENT 8 Congress shall make no law respecting their persons, houses, papers, and effects, AMENDMENT 6 an establishment of religion, or against unreasonable searches and Excessive Bail, Fines, and Punishments Rights of an Accused Person prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or seizures, shall not be violated, and no Prohibited abridging the freedom of speech, or of warrants shall issue, but upon probable In all criminal prosecutions the accused Excessive bail shall not be required, nor the press; or the right of the people cause, supported by oath or affirmation, shall enjoy the right to a speedy and excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and peaceably to assemble, and to petition and particularly describing the place to public trial by an impartial jury of the unusual punishments inflicted. the government for a redress of be searched and the persons or things to state and district wherein the crime shall grievances. be seized. have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by AMENDMENT 9 AMENDMENT 2 law, and to be informed of the nature and AMENDMENTS cause of the accusation; to be confronted Rights Retained by the People with the witnesses against him; to have Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rights in Criminal Cases and Protection compulsory process for obtaining The enumeration in the Constitution, of A well regulated militia, being necessary of Property witnesses in his favor, and to have the certain rights, shall not be construed to to the security of a free state , the right of No person shall be held to answer for a assistance of counsel for his defense. deny or disparage others retained by the the people to keep and bear arms, shall capital, or otherwise infamous crime, people. not be infringed. unless on a presentment or indictment of AMENDMENT 7 a grand jury, except in cases arising in AMENDMENT 10 AMENDMENT 3 the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or Rights in Civil Suits public danger; nor shall any person be In suits at common law, where the value Powers Reserved to States or People Quartering of Soldiers subject for the same offence to be twice in controversy shall exceed twenty The powers not delegated to the United No soldier shall, in time of peace be put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be States by the Constitution, nor quartered in any house, without the be compelled in any criminal case to be a preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, prohibited by it to the states, are reserved consent of the owner, nor in time of war, witness against himself, nor be deprived shall be otherwise reexamined in any to the states respectively, or to the but in a manner to be prescribed by law. of life, liberty, or property, without due court of the United States, than people.

AMENDMENT 11 of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one AMENDMENT 19 AMENDMENT 23 years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any Lawsuits Against States way abridged , except for participation in rebellion, or Women's Suffrage (Ratified 1920) Presidential Electors for the District of Columbia (Ratified 1961) The judicial power of the United States shall not be other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be Section 1. The ri ght of citizens of the United States construed to exte nd to an y suit in la w or equity reduced in the proportion which the number of such to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United Section 1. The district co n stituting the seat of commenced or prosecuted against one of the United male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male States or by any state on account of sex. government of the United States shall appoint in such States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or citizens twenty-one years of age in such state. Section 2. Congress shall have power to enfo rce this manner as the Congress may d irect: A number of subjects of any foreign state. Section 3. Loss of privileges. No person shall be a article by appropriate legislation. electors of president and vice-president equal to the senator or representative in Congress, or elector of w hole numbe r of sena tors and representa ti ves in preSident and vice-president, or hold any offi ce, ci vil or AMENDMENT 20 Congress to which the district would be entitled if it AMENDMENT 12 were a state, but in no event more tha n the least military, under the United States, or under any state, Presidential and Congressional Terms (Ratified 1933) Election of the President and Vice-president (Ratified who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of populous state; they shall be in additio n to those Section 1. The terms of the preside nt and vice­ appointed by the states, but they shall be considered , 1804) Congress, or as an offi cer of the United States, or as a president shall end at noon on the twentieth day of member of any state legislature, or as an executive or fo r the purposes of the election o f president and The electors shall meet in their respecti ve states and january, and the terms of senators and representati ves vice-president, to be electors appOinted by a state; and vote by ballot for president and vice· president, one of judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution at noon on the third day of january, of the years in of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection they shall meet in the district and perform such duties whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same whi ch such terms would have ended if this article had as provided by the twelfth article of amendment. state with themselves; they shall name in their ba llots or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to not been rati fied; and the terms of their successors shall the enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce the person voted for as preSident, a nd in distinct ball ots then begin. this article by appropriate legislation. the person voted for as vice-president, a nd they shall two-thirds of each house, remove such disability. Section 2. The Congress shall assemble at least once make distinct li sts of all persons voted for as president, Section 4. Public debt. The validity of the public debt in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on AMENDMENT 24 and of all persons voted for as vice-president, and of of the United Sta tes, authorized by law, including the third day of january, unless they shall by law Voting Rights Protected (Ratified 1964) debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties the number of votes for each, w hich lists they shall sign appoint a different day. Section 1. The ri ght of citizens of the United States and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the for services in suppressing insurrecti on or rebellion, Section 3. If, at the time fi xed for the begi nning of shall not be questioned . But neither the United States to vote in any primary or other election for president or government of the United Sta tes, d irected to the the term of the president, the president elect shall have vice-preside nt, for ele ctors for preside nt o r nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation preSident of the Senate. The president of the Senate died , the vice-president elect shall become preSident. If vice-president, or for senator or representati ve in shall , in the presence of the Se na te a nd House of incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the a president shall not have been chosen before the ti me United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes fi xed for the beginning of his term, or if the president United States or any state by reason of failure to pay shall then be counted . The person having the grea test of any slave; but all such debts, obligati ons, and claims elect shall have fa iled to quali fy, then the vice-president shall be held illegal and void. any poll tax or other tax. number of votes for president shall be the president, if elect shall act as president until a president shall have Section 2. The Congress sha ll have the power to Section 5. The Congress sha ll h a ve p ow er to such number be a majority of the w hole number of qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the enfo rce this article by appropriate legislation. e lecto rs a p pO inted; a nd if n o person have s uch enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of case w herein neither a president elect nor a vice­ majority, then from the persons having the highest this article. president elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall AMENDMENT 25 numbers, not exceeding three, on the list of those voted then act as president, or the manner in which one who Presidential Vacancies (Ratified 1967) for as president, the House of Representatives shall AMENDMENT 15 is to act shall be selected , and such person shall act Section 1. In case of the removal of the president choose immedia tely, by ballot, the preSid ent. But in accordingly until a president or vice-president shall Suffrage (Ratified 1870) from office or of his death or resignation , the vice­ choosing the preSide nt, the votes shall be taken by have qualified . president shall become preSident. states, the representati on from each state having one Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States Section 4. The Congress may by law provide for the Section 2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United case of the death of any of the persons from whom the of the vice-president, the president shall nominate a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and States or by any state on account of race, color, or House of Representatives may choose a president vice-president who shall take office upon confirmation a majori ty of all the states shall be necessary to a choice. previous condition of servi tude. whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon by a majority vote of both houses of Congress. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce them, and for the case of the death of any of the Section 3. Whenever the president transmits to the a president, whenever the right of choice shall devolve this article by appropria te legislation. persons from whom the Senate may choose a vice­ president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of upon them, before the fourth day of March next fo llow­ president whenever the ri ght of choice shall have the House of Representatives his written declaration ing, then the vice-president shall act as preSident, as in AMENDMENT 16 devolved upon them. the case of the death or other constitutional disability of that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of Section 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the his offi ce, and until he transmits to them a written the president. The person having the greatest number Income Tax (Ratified 1913) fifteenth day of October foll owing the ratification of declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties of votes as vice-president shall be the vice-president, if this article. The Congress shall have power to lay and collect shall be discharged by the vice-president as acting such number be a majori ty of the w hole number of Section 6. This article shall be inoperative unless it taxes on incomes, fr om whatever source deri ved, president. electors appointed , and if no person have a majority, shall have been ratified as an a mend ment to the without apportio nment among the several states, and Section 4. Whe n ever the v ice-p reside nt and a then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Consti tution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the without regard to any census or enumeratio n. majori ty of either the principal offi cers of the executive Senate shall choose the vice-president; a quorum fo r several stat es within seven years from the date of its departments or of such other body as Congress may by the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole AMENDMENT 17 submission. number of Senators, and a majority of the w hole num­ law provide, transmit to the president pro tempore of ber shall be necessary to a choice. But no person consti· Direct Election of Senators (Ratified 1913) the Sena te a nd the s p eaker of the House of AMENDMENT 21 Re presenta ti ves their written declara tion that the tutionally ineligible to the offi ce of president shall be Section 1. The Senate of the United States shall be Repeal of Prohibition (Ratified 1933) president is unable to discharge the powers and duties eligible to that of vice-president of the United States. composed of two senators from each state, elected by Section 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to of his offi ce, the vice-preside nt sha ll immediately the people thereof, fo r six years; and each senator shall the Con s titutio n o f the Unite d Sta tes is h e re by assume the powers and duties of the offi ce as acting AMENDMENT 13 have one vote. The electors in each state shall have the repealed . preSident. q ualification s requisite for e lectors of the most Abolition of Slavery (Ratified 1865) Section 2. The transportation or importa tion into Thereaft er, w he n the president transmits to the numerous branch of the state legislatures. any state, territory, or possession of the United States president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of Section 2. Wh e n vacan cies ha ppe n in the Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in the House of Representati ves his written declaration repre,sentation of any state in the Senate, the executive except as a punishment for crime whereof the party violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited . that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and shall have been duly convicted , shall exist within the authority of such state shall issue writs of election to fill Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it duties of his office unless the vice-preside nt and a United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. such vaca ncies, provided that the legislature of any sha ll have been ra tified as a n a mendment to the majority of either the prinCipal offi cers of the executive Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this state may empower the executive thereof to make Constitution by conventions in the several states, as department or of such other bod y as Congress may by article by appropriate legislation. te mporary a ppointments until the people fill the provided in the Constitution, within seven years from law provide, transmit within four days to the president vacancies by electio n, as the legislature may direct. the date of the submission hereof to the states by the pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of the House Section 3. This amendment shall not be so construed Congress. of Re presentatives their w ritten declaration that the AMENDMENT 14 as to affect the election or term of any senator chosen President is unable to discharge the powers and duties before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution. Civil Rights (Ratified 1868) AMENDMENT 22 of hi s office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that Section 1. Citizenship defined; citizens' privileges. AMENDMENT 18 President Limited to Two Terms (Ratified 1951) purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within All persons born or naturalized in the United States, Section 1. No person shall be elected to the offi ce of twenty-one days a ft er receipt of the la tter w ritte n and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of Prohibition (Ratified 1919; repealed 1933, by Amendment 21) the preSident more than twice, and no person who has declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within the United States and of the state wherein they reside. held the office of preSident, or acted as president, for twenty-on e d ays after Con gress is required to No state shall make or enforce any law which shall Section 1. After one year from the ratifica ti on of this more than two years of a term to which some other assemble, de te rmines by two-thirds vote of bo th abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the article, the manufacture, sale, or transporta ti on of person was elected president shall be elected to the houses that the president is unable to discharge the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of intoxicating liquors within, the importati on thereof office of the preSident more than once. But this article powers and duties of his offi ce, the vice-president shall life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; into, or the exportati on thereof from the United States shall not apply to any person holding the office of continue to discharge the same as acting president; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal and all territory subj ect to the jurisdiction thereof for preside nt whe n this a rticle was proposed by the otherwise, the president shall resume the powers and protection of the laws. beverage purposes is hereby prohibited . Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may duties of his offi ce. Section 2. Apportionment of Representatives. Repre­ Section 2. The Congress and the several states shall be holding the offi ce of president, or acting as president sentatives shall be apportioned a mong the several have concurrent power to e nforce this a rticle by during the term w ithin w hich this article becomes AMENDMENT 26 states according to their respecti ve numbers, counting appropriate legislation. operative from holding the offi ce of president or acting Suffrage for Eighteen-Year-Olds (Ratified 1971) the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it as president during the remainder of such term. Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any sha ll ha ve been ra tified as an amendment to the Section 2. This article shan be inoperative unless it who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shan not election for the choice of electors for president and vice­ Constitution by the legislatures of the several states as shall have been ratified as a n ame ndment to the be denied or abridged by the United States or by any president of the United States, representatives in Con­ provided in the Constitution, within seven years from Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the state on account of age. gress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the date of the submission hereof to the states by the several states within seven years from the date of its Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any Congress. submission to the states by the Congress. this article by appropriate legislation. SECTION T H R E E

"May Those Principles. • • Be Established Forever" Doctrine and Covenants 109: 54

1787-Benjamin Franklin, George Guide [hint: look under "Bondage"). uggested lesson for adults and Washington, James Mad ison, and Then have the entire verse of Ether 2: 12 Sfamilies with older children. thirty-s ix other delegates endorsed the read aloud. Write the scripture reference, Substitute similar ideas and materials if Constitution with their names. Ether 2: 12, at the bottom of the puzzle.) desired. Together, they saw the rising sun of a (Consider watching the Church bright new day for human freedoms and Videocassette 10, God Blessed America PREPARATION balanced government. [see p. 14, number 11) .) Joseph Smith felt strongly about the "2. We Must Learn the Principles of Read the entire lesson and then arrange principles of the Constitution. In the the Constitution and Abide by Its for needed materials. These may include: dedication prayer for the Kirtland (Ohio) Precepts" Temple in 1836, the Prophet asked the A. The front cover . The Constitution was written to help us Lord to preserve them. B. One or more copies of the Book of lead orderly and safe lives. But, if we (Have Doctrine and Covenants 109:54 Mormon and the Doctrine and don't understand the principles of read aloud.) Covenants. freedom that are outlined in the President Benson sa id there are four Constitution and abide by its precepts, C. President Ezra Taft Benson's things we must do to protect and care for we could lose the intended bless ings. statement (on protecting our our divine freedoms: " (1) We must be freedoms) written on a piece of paper. President Benson asks us: "Have we read righteous.... (2) We must learn the the Constitution and pondered it ? Are D. The scripture puzzle copied on a piece principles of the Constitution and then we aware of its principles? Could we of paper large enough for everyone to abide by its precepts .... (3) We must defend it ? Can we recognize when a law see. become involved in civic affairs.... is constitutionally unsound ?" (The Present the material in your own words. (4) We must make our influence Constitution, A Heavenly Banner, p. 29). felt .. . "(Ezra Taft Benson, The Questions for discussion are identified with (Possible activity: one from pages 13-14, dots (0). Constitution, A Heavenly Banner [Salt such as 2 or 5.) Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1986], pp. 28-30). "3. We Must Become Involved in Civic PRESENTATION Affairs" Let's consider each one of these o What are "civic affairs?" (The needs We Should Preserve the Principles of ob liga tions. and concerns of the community.) the Constitution "1. We Must Be Righteous" o What are some needs and concerns in James Madison, one of the key members The Book of Mormon is ve ry specific our community? (Answers might include of the Constitutional Conven tion, noted about the relationship between our crime, gambling, pornography, air and a prophetic moment as the las t of the freedoms and our righteousness. To find water pollution, waste disposal, drug and delegates signed the Constitution. He out what it says, see if you can solve this alcohol abuse, public education, the related how Benjamin Franklin directed scripture puzzle. (Have family members elderly, the poor, those with disabilities, the attention of nearby delegates to fill in the miss ing words by guess ing the unemployed, budge ts and taxes, George Washington's chair. Carved into letters, similar to the game "hangman." public lands, culture, and recreation.) the back of the chair was a sun, painted After the lesson, the completed pu zz le in go ld. (Hold up the front cover and may be displayed in a prominent place to (Identify at least one community concern point to George Washington and his extend the influence of this lesson during you would like to be involved with, then chair.) Dr. Franklin observed, "I have the week.) ask:) [often looked at the chair during the We can "be free from o How does it affect us? troublesome periods of the convention) and from without being able to tell whether it was ______, and o Do we need to know more about it ? rising or setting: But now at length I have from all other ______o How can we find out more about it ? the happiness to know that it is a rising under heaven, if [we) will but serve the and not a se tting sun" (J ames Madison, o What should we be doing about it ? God of the land, who is Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention o How and when should we do it ? of 1787 [Athens, Ohio: Ohio University "4. We Must Make Our Influence Felt Press, 1966; reissue, New York: W. W. (After the blanks are correctl y filled in, by Our Vote, Our Letters, Our Advice" Norton & Company, 1987 ], p. 659). have the family members find the verse in the Book of Mormon by using a key (Have Doctrine and Covenants 98: 10 On that day- September 17, word search in the index or Top ical read aloud.)

11 o What are three words that describe the PRESENTATION to leave. Her fathe r and brothers were ki nd of men and women we should fou nd, and their fami ly was together again. choose to represent us in government? To Keep Our Freedom We Must Obey Kitty and her fam ily were much happier, (Honest, good, and wise. ) the Lord and Obey the Constitution but Kitty would never forget the terrible o Besides electing good, honest, and wise (Start the lesson by gently but fi rmly things that happened because of the war. people to represent us, what can we do to holding one of your children in a way so When she was nine, Kitty used to be more of a positive influence in our that escape is impossible. Tell the wonder, "What wi ll my tenth birthday community? captive child to go do something he likes be like? Will I be free?" (Possible activity: one from pages 13-14, to do, but conti nue to hold him. Make it Right now, we have our freedoms. We such as 9 0r 12. ) fun , but let the child feel the frustration don't have a sharp wire fe nce around our of not having his or her freedom to go do home. There aren't any soldiers to keep CONCLUSION something. Then ask the child:) us from leaving. (Hold up a picture of the fam ily.) We can stay together as a fa mily. o How did you feel when you could not Even with ari inspired Constitution, get away? Freedom also means that we can choose our leaders by voting. people and governments can become You were my prisoner. I captured you and wicked. This happened among the would not let you free. For a short time o Can you tell us what some of our other Nephites about thirty years before Christ you lost your freedom. We are going to freedoms are? was born. The Book of Mormon tells us talk about freedom. that the people "trampled under their (Hold up a picture of someone praying. ) feet the laws ofMosiah, or that which Freedom is a very special thing the Lord We can pray. the Lord commanded him to give unto has blessed us with. To help you (Hold up a copy of the scriptures.) We the people" (Helaman 4:22) . understand what freedom is, let's play can read the scriptures. make-believe. Let's make-be lieve that (Have Helaman 5:2 read aloud.) you went outside to play and found our (Hold up a picture of an LDS meetinghouse. ) We can go to Church. o How were their laws established ? (By house surrounded by a wire fence-a the voice of the people- elections. ) fence wi th sharp points that would cut (Hold up a picture of a school.) Freedom you if you tried to crawl through or climb means we can go to school. o Why were their laws becoming corrupted? (There were more who chose over. And next to the sharp wire fence (Hold up pictures of various career evil than who chose good.) there were soldiers wi th guns to stop you people-you may wish to substitute your from leaving. Do you think you would own examples.) We can become doctors o Could that happen in the United States like that? of America? or bus drivers or store managers or Now, let's make-believe that some anything we want to be. o How can we prevent this from strangers came and took part of our Freedom is a great thing. And it is a happening? (We must be righteous, family to a fa r away place and we couldn't informed, acti ve citizens.) blessing from the Lord. The scriptures see them or talk to them. How would (hold up a copy of the Book of Mormon) that make you feel? tell us that to keep our freedoms we must Our story is just make-believe, but, there serve Jesus Christ and keep his uggested lesson for families with really was someone who had to live that commandments (see Ether 2: 12) . We young children. Substitute similar way for a while. It was a young girl must also obey the Constitut ion and the ideas and materials if desired. named Kitty. other laws of this country and make sure we have good leaders (see (The following true story is adapted from D&C 98:4-10). PREPARATION "Baboe Kit's Gift" by Kitty de Ruyter and Kathie Johnston Brough [Ensign, Feb. Our prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson Read the entire lesson and then arrange 1987, pp. 62-64) .) (show the First Presidency picture [see for needed materials. These may include: inside front cover) and point to President A long time ago, when Kitty was nine Benson) , prom ises us that the Lord will A. Drawings or pictures of things you years old, some bad people started a help us to keep our freedoms if we wi ll have been blessed with because of terrible war. Because of the war, Kitty's obey the Lord's commandments and obey your freedom, such as your fa mily; an fam ily was forced to leave their beautiful our country's laws. elected president; someone praying; home. Sold iers took Kitty's fa ther and an LDS meetinghouse; scriptures; a three older brothers and sent them fa r o Do you remember why Kitty was sad school; and career people, such as a away. Kitty, her mother, and the rest of when she was nine years old ? (Some bad doctor, store manager, and bus driver. the fami ly were taken to live in a place people started a war. She lost her like in our make-believe story. There freedom and her father and brothers were B. A copy of the Book of Mormon and separated from the rest of the family.) the Doctrine and Covenants. were fences made out of sharp wires, and there were soldiers with guns to keep The scriptures and the prophet tell us C. A picture of the First Presidency (see people from leaving. that we must do two things if we want to inside front cover) . keep our freedoms and our happiness. Present the material in your own words. Kitty was very sad. She and her fa mily Can you name them? (Keep the Lord's Questions for discussion are identified with had to live like that for nearly two years. commandments and obey the laws of this dots (0). Finally, the war was over. Kitty was able country. )

12 ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS

You may combine your lessons with one more who chose evil than who chose 3. Participate in community and of the activities below or consider doing good.) national Constitution celebrations. these ac tivities outside of your family Doctrine and Covenants 98:5-10 (A variety of celebrations will be home evening. (Support the Constitution and held from 1987 through 199 1.) 1. Read and discuss the following remain free. Choose honest men as 4. If you know of ancestors who lived in scriptures. You may want to read one leaders. ) this country during the time of the of the passages each day for a week as Doctrine and Covenants section 134 American Revolution and the part of your daily family scripture (The proper role of gove rnment and writing of the Constitution, tell stud y. laws.) about these ancestors. 1 Nephi 13:1 2-19. (Nephi sees a The twelfth article of faith (in the 5. Make arrangements to see vision of Columbus, the Pilgrims and Pearl of Great Price) . (Be subj ect to government in ac tion by visiting other early colonizers, and the government leaders and obey the law.) such places as: revolutionary war.) 2. Learn more about the Constitution A. A courthouse to wa tch a trial. 2 Nephi 1:6--7 and Ether 2:9-12. and about the lives of our founding B. A town or city government (This land will remain a land of fathers. Obtain books from a public meeting. liberty as long as we are righteous library about the Constitution and C. A sc hool board meeting. and serve Jesus Christ: ) about some of the men who helped write it, such as George Washington, D. A county government meeting. Mosiah 29. (Mosiah formed a new Benj amin Franklin, James Madison, Nephite government that no longe r E. A sess ion of your state legislature. and Gouverneur Morris. Besides had kings. It was government by the reading on your own and F. A session of one of the houses of voice of the people with a system of encourag ing other family members to Congress. elected judges.) read these books, you can read 6. Learn and sing patrioti c hymns (see Helaman 4:22 through 5:3 (The paragraphs from the books to the Church hymnal index, p. 423, inspired Nephite government younger children, or you can disc uss "Patriotism"). Discuss the words of became corrupt because there were what you have read at dinnertime. the hymns.

See page 4 for instructions on usi ng these line drawings. r------i ------T------I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I American soldier British soldier Signing the Constitution L L ~ ~ 13 7. Search the Constitution and identify F. Slavery is abolished. (Di scuss why 11. Obtain fro m your meetinghouse the article or amendment where each it is wrong for one person to library a copy of the Church's of the following is explained: enslave another.) Videocassette 10 (stock number A. How to amend or change the G. The right for tri al by jury is VV086 ). As a family, watch the Constitution. (Discuss the granted. (Discuss what could program call ed God Blessed amendment process and why it is happen if jury trials were not America . important. ) permitted. } 12 . Exercise your citi ze nship by: B. The duties of the president of the H. A person's religious freedom is A. Voting in elec tions. United States. (Discuss some of protected. (Disc uss what it might B. Running for politica l offi ce. the powers the president does and be like if religious freedom were does not have and why limits are not protected .) C. Serving on communi ty boards or placed on the president's powers. } I. What happens if the pres ident di es committees. C. The powers of Congress. (Discuss or res igns. (Disc uss why an orderl y D. Becoming informed on important some of the powers Congress does sllccess ion to the pres idency is local, state , and national issues. and does not have and why limits important. ) E. Expressing your opinions and your are placed on its powers. Identify 8. Write down your family rules and appreciati on to government powers held by states and not by make a "Family Constitution. " Have leaders through personal visits, Congress. } all the family members sign it. phone ca lls, or letters; D. The description of the judicial Display it where everyone will see it partici pa ting in hearings and system. (Discuss some of the often. government meetings ; circulating powers the judicial branch does and presenting petitions; or other 9. Keep a record of the names, and does not have and why limits appropriate acti vities. are placed on its powers. ) addresses, and telephone numbers of the elected offici als who represent F. Writing a letter to the editor of E. All qualified citizens are allowed you in Congress , at your state your local newspaper. to vote regardless of gender. legislature , and in your community. (Discuss what it might be like in G. Participating in a neighborh ood this country if government powers 10. If possible, visit historical sites that crime watch group (check with were not controlled by "the are related to the American your local police department or people. ") Revolution and the Constitution. sheriffs offic e}.

14 U N TED S TAT E S o F A MER C A 787 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES

New Hampshire John Langdon Nicholas Gilman Massachusetts Nathaniel Gorham Rufus King Caleb Strong' Elbridge Gerry' , Rhode Island Did not send delegates Connecticut William Samuel Johnson Roger Sherman Oliver Ellsworth ' New York Alexander Hamilton John Lansing' Robert Yates' New Jersey William Livingston David Brearley William Paterson Jonathan Dayton William Churchill Houston' Pennsylvania Benj amin Frankl in Thomas Mifflin Robert Morris George Clymer Thomas FitzS imons Jared I ngerso II James Wilson Gouverneur Morris Virginia Delaware George Washington George Read John 'Blair Gunning Bedford , Jr. James Madison, Jr. John Dickinson George Mason' , Richard Basse tt Edmund Randolph' , Jacob Broom James McClurg' George Wythe' Maryland James McHenry Carolina Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer John Rutledge Daniel Carroll Luther Martin' Forty Signed Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Charles Pinckney John Francis Mercer' Thirty-e ight delegates signed in person; Pierce Butler John Dickinson of Delaware was ill and North Carolina asked a fellow delegate to sign his name. Georgia William Blount The fortieth signature was that of Major William Few Richard Dobbs Spaight William Jackson, who was not a delegate Abraham Baldwin Hugh Williamson but served as secretary; he signed as a William Houstoun' William Richardson Davie' witness to their signatures . William Pierce' Alexander Martin'

• Left before the signing of the Constitution. • • Disagreed with some parts of the Constitution; refu sed to sign. 15 PREAMBLE

\\VT V~ e the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

PXIC1391 6/87