What is the most frequently used word in the U.S. Constitution?
The most commonly used words in the US Constitution
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
The word democracy is not used in the U.S. Constitution. Neither are the words “flaming hot!” What is the most commonly used word in the Constitution?
Explain the connection between that most commonly used word and federalism - the division of power between national and state governments.
I was surprised to find that the word President was used approximately twice as much as Congress. Why do you think the word President was used more than the word Congress?
If Taylor Swift wrote an album about the Constitution using only the words of the Constitution but in any order she wanted how long would it take for that album to reach number one on the Hot Hundred Billboard Chart?
The most iconic opening of the Constitution "We the people of the United States" was actually used at the last minute. In earlier drafts, it read "We the people of the states of" (the individual states were listed from the north to the south). Why do you think they changed this language at the last minute?
While the United States has been governed by a single framework of government for over two centuries, France, in contrast, has had 10 separate and distinct constitutional orders (including five republics, two empires, a monarchy, and two dictatorships). The country of El Salvador has had 36 constitutions since 1824. At the same time, many of the problems and issues our nation faces today would have been unimaginable by the 55 White men who wrote the U.S. Constitution in 1789. Make a claim (argument) about whether having an old Constitution is a good thing.
The most commonly used words of the U.S. Constitution are laid out above. The Constitution lays out the powers and duties of the U.S. government. The most commonly used words of the Bill of Rights are illustrated in a word cloud below.* What general principles are laid out in a Bill of Rights and how are those different from the things written in a constitution?
The U.S.. Constitution is hard to amend? Only 17 Amendments (since the Bill of Rights) have been ratified. If you could amend our Constitution to add the concept of democracy what would that amendment look like?
The U.S. Constitution basically says what the government can do and the Bill of Rights basically says what the government cannot do. What two groups argued over whether we needed to have a Bill of Rights?
The original Constitution is in a display case at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The cases contain argon gas and are kept at 67 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 40 percent to preserve the parchment papers. Did you know that? Now you do. What Taylor Swift memorabilia do you believe should also be kept at the National Archives?
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
An amendment may be proposed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress, or, if two-thirds of the States request one, by a convention called for that purpose. The amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the State legislatures, or three-fourths of conventions called in each State for ratification. Contact your U.S. representative and ask them to Amend the Constitution to either add the concept of democracy or the words, “flaming hot!”
Get Creative
Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry that has three lines. It has five syllables in the first and third lines. It has seven syllables in the second line. Its lines don't rhyme. Write a Haiku about the U.S. Constitution that you can share with older family members.
Learning Extension
Visit the Interactive Constitution at the National Constitution Center Website.