The Constitution EXPLAINED
iCivics presents a comprehensive, short-form video series explaining the text, history, and relevance of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and additional amendments.
Developed in partnership with the Center for Civic Education, and with the invaluable contributions of constitutional scholar Linda R. Monk, JD.
This video series was made possible by Kenneth C. Griffin.
View All 35 Videos
Our videos are assignable and end with call-to-action questions, prompting learners to further explore the topics covered in the video through a modern lens. Click on each category to see its related videos, and click on the video thumbnail to watch the full clip. You can also autoplay each category’s videos using our YouTube playlists and download transcripts for the videos here.
We the People – The Preamble to the Constitution is the mission statement of the United States government. In just one sentence, the Preamble expresses the source of the Constitution’s power and summarizes its goals.
Constitutional Convention – The Constitution was created by a convention that met in Philadelphia in May 1787 to amend the Articles of Confederation, the nation’s first constitution.
The People’s Branch – Article I of the Constitution lays out the structure of the legislative branch, the branch that makes the laws.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Congress – Article I of the Constitution grants powers to Congress and also sets limitations.
Who Chooses the President? – Article II of the Constitution creates the office of the President of the United States (POTUS), determines how they are selected, and states the oath of office where they swear to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Faithfully Execute – Article II of the Constitution gives powers to the president with the responsibility to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed,” including the most important – the Constitution itself.
Freedom of Religion – The First Amendment protects freedom of religion by preventing an established or official faith and supporting free exercise of religion.
Freedom of Expression – The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and of the press to help Americans govern themselves.
Freedom of Assembly and Petition – The First Amendment protects the freedoms of assembly and petition.
Due Process of Law – Due process of law under the Fifth Amendment requires fair rules in the legal system.
Presumed Innocent – Due process of law under the Fifth Amendment helps protect fairness in the criminal justice system.
The Right to a Fair Trial – The Sixth and Seventh Amendments protect many of the rights needed to have a fair trial.
Unlisted Rights – The Ninth Amendment protects rights that are not specifically listed in the Bill of Rights.
Prohibition and Repeal – The Eighteenth and Twenty-First Amendments regulated the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the United States.
Votes for D.C. – The Twenty-Third Amendment allowed citizens in the nation’s capital to vote for President.
“I’m really excited about this collaboration between iCivics and the Center for Civic Education. These quick videos will enable teachers to bring experts in the field into our classroom and allow us to explore different topics related to the Constitution in a nonpartisan manner. It’ll be an invaluable resource to all civics teachers and also citizens to watch and learn about our government.”
~ Katie Boland, AP Government and We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution teacher