This teacher's guide was designed to accompany six 30-minute video programs on the fundamental constitutional principles that form this nation's foundation. Each lesson in the guide contains an introduction to the main ideas of the program, a program summary, and suggested activities to carry out before and after the program. The topics emphasized in the series are: (1) limited government and the rule of law; (2) federalism; (3) separation of powers with checks and balances; (4) freedom of expression; (5) equal protection of the laws; and (6) the U.S. Constitution and the economy. Under the principles of limited government and rule of law, government officials cannot behave arbitrarily when enforcing law nor are they above the law. The national and state governments exercise powers separately and within constitutional limits under the principle of federalism. The system of checks and balances ensures a government with powers sufficient to act effectively and limitations sufficient to prevent tyranny. The U.S. constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression is an essential condition of democracy. The "equal protection" clause protects individuals from arbitrary discrimination and has led to hotly contested constitutional issues such as affirmative action. The Constitution provided a framework that was conducive to economic development and national prosperity because private property rights were protected and contracts were enforced. A copy of the Constitution is appended. (SM)