Lesson 29 of 84 · The Constitution
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareUnwritten Rules: Traditions and Norms
Unwritten rules, often called traditions and norms, play an important role in the functioning of the U.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.
Mind = Blown
🤯 In ancient Athens, 'democracy' only included about 10% of the people.
Then & Now
🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.
Unwritten rules, often called traditions and norms, play an important role in the functioning of the U.S. government alongside the Constitution. These unwritten rules guide how leaders and lawmakers behave, such as the tradition of the President giving a State of the Union address each year. While not mandated by the Constitution, these practices help maintain order and respect within the government, influencing how laws are created and implemented.
Key Facts
The State of the Union address is a tradition followed by U.S. Presidents.
Unwritten rules are also known as traditions and norms.
These practices help guide behavior in the government.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is one example of an unwritten rule in 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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