The Constitution of the United States established three distinct branches of government- the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial. Our founding fathers created this division of government to establish the principle of separation of powers. In the process they created checks and balances that protect citizens from capricious or tyrannical actions of the government, to this very day. THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH This program explores The Executive Branch of government, and analyzes the powers of the President from a legal and historical point of view. Past Presidents had differing views on the powers of the Executive. Some held very conservative views on its scope of authority, others held more liberal views on the powers granted to the President, and some overstepped its bounds. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH This production explores the upper and lower houses of The Legislative Branch, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives and studies the practical realities of day-to-day congressional operations. THE JUDICIAL BRANCH It is the Supreme Court’s responsibility to interpret all laws and ensure they don’t conflict with the Constitution. Numerous landmark and precedent setting cases are examined in this presentation. The Just The Facts Learning Series explores American government in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!
Grade levels: Upper Elementary (4-6)
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The U.S. Constitution/Bill of Rights – 2 Pack
Learn the facts about the documents that make America great! No official document is more important than The Constitution of the United States of America. This dynamic, enduring document is the supreme law of the land. It is designed to enhance the value and dignity of the individual and make certain the individual is never a servant to the state. Orderly systems of government, a president who is held accountable by Congress and brilliantly conceived checks and balances all flow from the Constitution and have served as the backbone for the greatest nation in history. It has stood the test of time and remains viable and fresh in age, when life is much different than when it was written. This production combines the insight of American Political Science experts on the interpretation of The Constitution with live action and documentary photography to explain and amplify this extraordinary document. The Just The Facts Learning Series brings you the United States Constitution and The Bill of Rights in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!
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The Declaration of Independence
This captivating program explores the political forces that existed before 1776 and the socioeconomic realities that made it necessary to declare to the world our independence from Great Britain. Examine the body of knowledge that contributed to The Declaration of Independence, such as the Magna Carta of 1215. The Just The Facts Learning Series explores United States history in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!
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The United States Constitution
No official document begins more memorably than the opening words of the Preamble of The Constitution of the United States of America. This dynamic, enduring document is the supreme law of the land. It is designed to enhance the value and dignity of the individual and make certain the individual is never a servant to the state. This extraordinary production combines the insight of American Political Science experts on the interpretation of The Constitution with live action and documentary photography to explain and amplify the most important document in American society.
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The United States Bill of Rights and Constitutional Amendments
Learn what makes the Bill of Rights so important to America! “Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America…” That preface begins the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to The Constitution of the United States. When the Constitution was written, certain framers, powerful political leaders of their day, like Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry, insisted on adding basic legal protections to ensure individual rights. As a consequence the first ten amendments were added to clarify the rights of the citizens of the United States of America. These are essential human rights, granted to all of us, that we should know and understand. In this video they are laid out in very easy-to-understand language, with comments from noted American Political Science experts from major universities who help interpret the language of this essential document. In addition, this video includes all the subsequent amendments made to the Constitution of the United States through to the present. These include such important national issues as slavery, prohibition, and the extension of voting rights to all citizens. This video is essential viewing for any student of American History, and anyone interested in understanding America’s national heritage and basic rights as citizens. The Just The Facts Learning Series brings you the Bill of Rights in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!
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City of God – Mos Def
In 4REAL City of God, host Sol Guy takes rap superstar and actor Mos Def to meet Brazilian hip hop heavyweight MV Bill. Born and raised in the infamous favela (slum), City of God, MV Bill uses his talent and influence to empower the children of Brazil’s favelas. He has dedicated himself to documenting the lives of children caught in Brazil’s brutal drug trafficking trade and he helped establish Central Única das Favelas (CUFA), a community organization that focuses on providing alternatives for children living in favelas. Includes Educational Guide. Themes explored in Guide: Poverty, Racism, Children’s Rights, Youth Violence and the Drug Trade, Global Hip Hop as a Tool for Change.
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Liberia – M.I.A.
In 4REAL Liberia, host Sol Guy takes music artist M.I.A. to Liberia to meet child rights advocate Kimmie Weeks. Weeks is the founder of Youth Action International (YAI), an organization that helps alleviate the suffering of children affected by war and empowers them to reach their full potential. Kimmie’s group provides educational opportunities and employment and is building some of the first playgrounds in post-war Liberia, among other projects. For Sol and M.I.A., their adventure takes them from jungle-gym painting to a visit with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to a dance party in a Monrovian neighbourhood. Includes Educational Guide. Themes explored in Guide: Messages through Music, Child Soldiers and Conflict Diamonds, Access to Education, International Aid, and Leadership.
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Kenya – K’naan
In 4REAL Kenya, host Sol Guy takes international hip hop star K’NAAN to Kibera, the largest “slum” in East Africa, to connect with local youth leader Salim Mohamed. Salim helped found Carolina for Kibera, an organization that focuses on community empowerment. Salim takes Sol and K’NAAN into the heart of Kibera, where he shows them Carolina for Kibera’s medical clinic and the community development soccer program he coordinates for more than 4,000 youth. During the adventure, K’NAAN and Sol find beauty and dignity in the most unexpected place and they are forever changed by Salim’s incredible spirit. Includes Educational Guide. Themes explored in Guide: The Power of Music to Create Change, the World Water Crisis, Quality of Life, and Community Leadership.
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Haiti – Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers
In 4REAL Haiti, host Sol Guy takes the bassist of Red Hot Chili Peppers (Flea) to meet rural health aide, Camseuze Moise, who provides medical care and health education to thousands of people in the hills of western Haiti. Sol and Flea join Camseuze as she travels to villages across the countryside, educating, empowering and saving lives. During his visit Flea gets right in on the action, weighing babies, mashing breadfruit and rocking a health fair with an amazing bass solo. Includes Educational Guide. Themes explored in Guide: Poverty, Global Inequality, Access to Health Care, and Community Leadership.
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Peru – Cameron Diaz
In 4REAL Peru, host Sol Guy and actress Cameron Diaz trek high into the Andes Mountains of Peru where young medicine man, Puma Singona, of the Quechua people, is keeping his people’s ancient traditions and wisdom alive. As a young person, Puma sits on a council of elders, runs a youth cultural group and is recognized worldwide for his healing work. Sol and Cameron join Puma to participate in cultural ceremonies, to learn about Quechua traditions and to share a passion for protecting and respecting the environment. Includes Educational Guide. Themes explored in Guide: Colonization, Cultural Traditions, Gratitude, Media and its Role in Social Change, and Environmental Stewardship.