The document outlines the key components of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. It explains that the Constitution is divided into 7 articles that establish the 3 branches of government and their powers. It also describes how the Constitution can be amended by a 3/4 majority of states. Additionally, it summarizes the first 10 amendments known as the Bill of Rights, which establish the basic rights and freedoms of US citizens including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, rights of the accused, and limits on government power.

1. Y O U R G U I D E T O B E I N G A B E T T E R C I T I Z E N
Citizenship Handbook

2. A Lasting Plan of Government
“The Constitution”
 The CONSTITUTION begins with the PREAMBLE.
The PREAMBLE identifies what the government
stands for and states the purpose of the
CONSTITUTION.
 Following the PREAMBLE, the CONSTITUTION is
broken down into SEVEN part, or ARTICLES. The
first three ARTICLES describe the powers and
responsibilities of the THREE branches of
government.

3. “The Constitution”
(cont.)
 Article 4 explains the relationship between the
STATES and the NATIONAL government.
 Article 5 specifies how the CONSTITUTION can be
changed.
 Article 6 discusses general provisions about the
GOVERNMENT.
 Article 7 states that the CONSTITUTION will go into
effect after 9 states ratify it.

4. “Amending the Constitution”
 Any change in the CONSTITUTION is called an
AMENDMENT. Once an AMENDMENT has been
proposed, ¾ of the states must ratify it for it to take
effect.
 If ¾ of the states have not approved the amendment
within seven years, the amendment dies.

5. “Bill of Rights”
 The first ten amendments to the Constitution are
known as the BILL OF RIGHTS. They establish the
powers and rights of AMERICAN CITIZENS.
 The First Amendment protects five basic freedoms:
FREEDOM OF RELIGION, SPEECH, THE
PRESS, ASSEMBLY, and the FREEDOM TO
PETITION GOVERNMENT.
 The Second Amendment protects THE RIGHT TO
SERVE IN STATE MILITIA AND TO BEAR ARMS.

6. “Bill of Rights”
(cont.)
 The Third Amendment limits the power of THE
GOVERNMENT TO FORCE AMERICANS TO
HOUSE SOLDIERS.
 The Fourth Amendment protects Americans against
UNREASONABLE SEARCHES AND SEIZURES.
 The Fifth Amendment protects the RIGHTS OF
PEOPLE ACCUSED OF A CRIME.
 The Sixth Amendment guarantees ADDITIONAL
RIGHTS TO THE ACCUSED.

7. “Bill of Rights”
(cont.)
 The Seventh Amendment guarantees THE RIGHT TO A
JURY TRIAL IN CIVIL CASES THAT INVOLVE MORE
THAN $20.
 The Eighth Amendment forbids EXCESSIVE BAIL AND
“CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS”
 The Ninth Amendment states that THE RIGHTS
SPELLED OUT IN THE CONSTITUTION ARE NOT
THE ONLY RIGHTS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
 The Tenth Amendment states that THOSE POWERS
NOT GIVEN TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ARE
RESERVED FOR THE STATES OR THE PEOPLE.