Lesson 29 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareUnwritten Rules: Traditions and Norms
In addition to the written rules of the Constitution, there are unwritten rules called traditions and norms.
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Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
⚡ The twist
Not voting is also a vote.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
In addition to the written rules of the Constitution, there are unwritten rules called traditions and norms. These are practices that people follow because they are expected to do so, even if they are not written down. For example, it is a tradition for the President to give a State of the Union address each year. These unwritten rules help guide how government officials behave and interact with each other.
Key Facts
Traditions help shape how government officials act.
The State of the Union address is an example of a tradition.
Norms are often followed even if they are not laws.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is an example of a tradition in the U.S. government?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Watch a town meeting or council clip on YouTube for 5 minutes.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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Unwritten Rules: Traditions and Norms
Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
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