The Federal Government Enforces the Constitution
"The Federal Government Enforces the Constitution" is a Grade 3 history lesson in Social Studies Alive! California's Communities (Chapter 4: Government and Citizenship) that explains how the U.S. Constitution supersedes all state laws. Students learn about the Little Rock Nine — nine Black students denied entry to Central High School in Arkansas in 1957, in violation of the Constitution's equal-treatment protections. President Eisenhower sent federal soldiers to protect the students, demonstrating that the federal government has the authority and responsibility to enforce constitutional rights against state violations.
Key Concepts
The U.S. Constitution is the most important rulebook for the entire country. It is the supreme law of the land. This means all state laws must follow the rules in the Constitution, and no state can make a law that goes against it.
Sometimes, a state government did not follow this rule. In 1957, a school in Arkansas would not let nine Black students, known as the Little Rock Nine, attend. This went against the Constitution's promise that all people should be treated fairly.
Common Questions
What makes the U.S. Constitution the supreme law?
The Constitution is called the supreme law of the land because every other law in the United States — state or local — must agree with it. No state can make or enforce a law that contradicts the Constitution.
Who were the Little Rock Nine?
The Little Rock Nine were nine African American students who attempted to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. State officials blocked their entry in defiance of Supreme Court desegregation rulings.
Why did the federal government intervene in Little Rock?
Arkansas was violating the Constitution's guarantee of equal treatment for all people. President Eisenhower sent federal soldiers to protect the nine students so they could safely attend school.
What president sent soldiers to Little Rock?
President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered federal troops — the 101st Airborne Division — to Little Rock to enforce the Constitution and protect the Little Rock Nine.
What does it mean that no state is more powerful than the Constitution?
It means states cannot override federal constitutional rights. If a state law or action violates the Constitution, the federal government has the authority to step in and enforce constitutional protections.
What grade covers the Constitution and Little Rock Nine?
This lesson is in Chapter 4: Government and Citizenship of Social Studies Alive! California's Communities, Grade 3.