The Constitution in its original text is printed on the left side of the page, written in the original legalese. The translation into fifth-grade level English is printed on the right side of the page, side-by-side with the original passage. Only when I read both sides does this wonderful document truly make sense. It is the shortest constitution in the world, less than 5000 words. It is also a living document, changing as we need it to change. However, these amendments must be carefully worded to avoid violating other rights given by the Constitution.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. No legal document is more important. Our state constitutions must not violate any of its provisions, nor shall any state law. The constitution has only seven articles and twenty-seven amendments. Not every proposed amendment becomes law. It must be approved by two-thirds of the members of the House of Representatives and two-thirds of the Senators before it can be sent to the states for ratification. Then it must be approved by three-fourths of the state legislators in three-fourth of the states before it actually becomes law.

There is much more information in this book. Civics classes would be better understood if this book was taught in the classroom. Parents, indeed all adults, need to learn what our constitution actually says. Study Constitution Translated for Kids. You’ll be glad you did.