Lesson 61 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareUnwritten Rules: Traditions and Norms
Unwritten rules, also known as traditions and norms, are important in how our government works alongside the Constitution.
🎯 Your mission
Decide what YOU would do in their shoes.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Women in New Zealand could vote 27 years before women in the US.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
Unwritten rules, also known as traditions and norms, are important in how our government works alongside the Constitution. These are not written in the Constitution but are followed by the government and society. For example, the practice of the President giving a State of the Union address every year is a tradition. These unwritten rules help guide behavior and decision-making, ensuring that leaders act in ways that are accepted by the public.
Key Facts
Unwritten rules are also called traditions and norms.
They guide behavior in government and society.
The State of the Union address is an example of a tradition.
Timeline
The Bill of Rights is ratified
The Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the U.S.
The Civil War begins
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What are unwritten rules in government called?
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.
Make up a fair rule for your family. Pitch it.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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