Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights

1791

What is the "Bill of Rights"?

• First 10 amendments - or additions - to the Constitution

• Protects basic freedoms for individuals

• Limits the power of the federal government

Why Was the Bill of Rights Passed?

• Constitution needed 9 of 12 states to approve it, but many worried it gave too much power to the government

• James Madison wrote 12 amendments to protect individual freedom

• 10 of the 12 amendments were passed, and the Constitution was ratified.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

• protect individual freedom and limit government power

• give people the right to do and say anything they want

• protect businesses and government from individual interference

1st Amendment

• Freedom to express your opinion (in speech, press, etc.)

• Freedom of religion

• Freedom to gather peacefully to protest or for other reasons

Poll

Are there any times that "free speech" is limited?

• no - you can say whatever you want in U.S.

• yes - you can't say threatening or dangerous things

• yes - you can't say some things in certain places (like school)

Multiple Choice

The 1st Amendment protects you from _______ limiting your freedom of speech and press.

• the government

• your school

• your employer

• all of the above

2nd Amendment

• Protects your right to keep and bear arms to protect yourself

3rd Amendment

• You won't have to keep soldiers in your house without your permission.

Multiple Choice

What rights are protected in the 1st amendment?

• speech, press, assembly, petition, religion

• speech, religion, weapons

• speech, press, weapons, no soldiers in your house

Multiple Select

Which amendment protects your right to keep and bear arms?

• 1st amendment

• 2nd amendment

• 3rd amendment

Amendments 4-8

Protect the rights of people suspected of committing crimes

4th Amendment

• Protects people from unreasonable "searches and seizures" (taking stuff)

• There must be a good reason for a search.

• Judge must sign a warrant.

5th Amendment

• If accused of a crime, you're innocent until proven guilty.

• Don't have to stand trial twice for the same crime ("double jeopardy").

• Don't have to testify against yourself - "plead the 5th".

• Government can't take your land without paying for it.

6th Amendment

• Right to a fast and public trial by jury

• Right to an attorney

• Right to have witnesses

7th Amendment

• Some civil cases (if you're suing for money- not charged with a crime) are also entitled to a jury trial

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Open Ended

Why do you think the right to jury trials was so important?

8th Amendment

• No extremely high bail while you're waiting for your trial

• No cruel and unusual punishment

Multiple Choice

The 6th Amendment protects your right to:

• have an attorney and a fast jury trial

• pick your judge and trial date

• pay a fine to avoid going to trial

Multiple Choice

The 5th Amendment protects you from:

• testifying against yourself and being charged with the same crime twice

• a jury trial in civil cases

• paying for your defense attorney and court fees

9th Amendment

• Your rights aren't limited to those listed in the Constitution

• You have other rights that aren't listed in the Bill of Rights.

Open Ended

Why might the 9th Amendment be controversial?

10th Amendment

• Federal government (in D.C.) only has the powers listed in the Constitution.

• All other powers belong to the states or the people.

• Examples - education, driving age, marriages/divorces, etc