Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Civics on the Street, Professor Matthew Green of the Catholic University of America answers real questions from students about the U.S. Constitution. From why it was written to the compromises made at the Constitutional Convention, the structure of government, the protection of rights, and the role of the Supreme Court.
As part of our Constitution Day Live programming, celebrating “Democracy in Your Backyard”, this video dives into why the Constitution was written, the compromises that made it possible, and how its structure continues to shape our government.
Teach the Constitution in your classroom using BRI's Constitution Day resources and lesson plans: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/con...
Get Pocket Constitutions for your classroom here: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/poc...
00:00 – 00:17 Introduction
00:18 – 01:13 Compromises at the Constitutional Convention
01:14 – 03:27 How the Constitution Is Structured
03:28 – 04:30 Changing Interpretations Over Time
04:31 – 05:21 Protecting Rights Beyond the Bill of Rights
05:22 – 06:27 The Role of the Supreme Court
06:28 – 06:59 Closing Thoughts: The Constitution at the Heart of Democracy
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About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
In this episode of Civics on the Street, Professor Matthew Green of the Catholic University of America answers real questions from students about the U.S. Constitution. From why it was written to the compromises made at the Constitutional Convention, the structure of government, the protection of rights, and the role of the Supreme Court.
As part of our Constitution Day Live programming, celebrating “Democracy in Your Backyard”, this video dives into why the Constitution was written, the compromises that made it possible, and how its structure continues to shape our government.
Teach the Constitution in your classroom using BRI's Constitution Day resources and lesson plans: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/con...
Get Pocket Constitutions for your classroom here: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/poc...
00:00 – 00:17 Introduction
00:18 – 01:13 Compromises at the Constitutional Convention
01:14 – 03:27 How the Constitution Is Structured
03:28 – 04:30 Changing Interpretations Over Time
04:31 – 05:21 Protecting Rights Beyond the Bill of Rights
05:22 – 06:27 The Role of the Supreme Court
06:28 – 06:59 Closing Thoughts: The Constitution at the Heart of Democracy
-----
About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
