Bill of Rights

THE BILL OF RIGHTS NOTES

General Information
First 10 Amendments to the Constitution
Ratified in 1791
Essential component of LIMITED GOVERNMENT in the United States (Hmmm…I wonder if Mrs. C. is going to expect me to explain this on a test?)

The FIRST Amendment
Protects 5 basic freedoms
Freedom of RELIGION
Freedom of SPEECH
Freedom of the PRESS
Freedom of ASSEMBLY
Freedom to PETITION the government
(Hmmm…Mrs. C. is probably going to want to know if I think the government should ever limit these rights…)

Freedom of RELIGION
First Amendment protects religious freedom in two ways:
The government can not establish an official religion
Americans have the right to practice religion as they wish

Freedom of SPEECH
Limiting Free Speech
The Constitution does not permit speech that harms other people, SLANDER for example
Extending Free Speech
The Constitution does protect SYMBOLIC SPEECH
(Hmmm…What about burning an American flag in protest? Is that protected?)

Freedom of the PRESS
Limited in many of the same ways as freedom of speech. For example, you cannot commit LIBEL .
Also prohibits the government from banning books, magazines, newspapers, or other printed materials.
(But shouldn’t the government be able to ban some offensive materials?)

Freedom of ASSEMBLY
Protects our right to attend meetings, parades, rallies, etc.
Also protects our right to form and join organizations.
(Hmmm…but some organizations are mean. Shouldn’t the government ban those?)

Freedom to PETITION
Protects our right to express our ideas to the government.

The SECOND Amendment
Guarantees the right to BEAR ARMS
(…So do gun control measures like the BRADY LAW violate the Constitution?)

The THIRD Amendment
Limits the power of the national government to force Americans to QUARTER soldiers
Least controversial amendment

The FOURTH Amendment
Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures
Key Terms
Search Warrant
(What if we could guarantee an end to murder in the United States? Would it be worth giving up the 4th Amendment?)

The FIFTH Amendment
Protects the rights of people accused of a crime
Key Terms
Double Jeopardy
Right to Remain Silent
Due Process of Law
Eminent Domain

The SIXTH Amendment
Guarantees additional rights to people accused of crimes, including the rights to:
Be told the charges against you
A speedy and public trial by a jury
Confront your accusers
Call witnesses in your behalf
Have a lawyer

The SEVENTH Amendment
Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases

The EIGHTH Amendment
Forbids “excessive” bail and “ CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS ”
(Does this include the death penalty…?)

The NINTH Amendment
Protects rights not specifically mentioned in the Constitution

The TENTH Amendment
Maintains that powers not specifically given to the federal government are reserved for the states

THE BIG QUESTION… How do we balance the rights of one individual against the rights of others and against the rights of the community? (Suggestions…anyone? Anyone?)

Bill of Rights

by i Classroom on May 02, 2010

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Bill of Rights — Presentation Transcript