Establishing the New Nation

A New Nation, 1783-1800

Part 3

The Bill of Rights

After the delegates signed the Constitution, it did not
become law right away. Before it could become law,
two-thirds of the states had to approve it.

Several states said they would approve the Constitution,
but only with one condition. They said it had to have a bill
of rights. By this they meant a list of rights that every
American should have. With the promise of a bill of rights,
all 13 states approved the Constitution by 1790.

Multiple Choice

What fraction of the states had to approve the Constitution for it to become law?

• 7/8

• 1/2

• 2/3

• all of them

Multiple Choice

What had to be added to the Constitution for all 13 states to approve it?

• Bill of Rights
• Magna Carta
• Emancipation Proclamation
• Declaration of Independence

What The Bill of Rights Says:

1. Basic Freedoms - Protects the freedom of speech,

religion, the press, and the freedom to ask the
government to correct problems.

2. Right to bear arms - Gives people the right to have and

carry weapons, subject to laws of state and federal
governments.

3. Quartering of soldiers - Protects people from having to

give room and board to soldiers.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is not part of the Bill of Rights?

• Freedom of the press

• Right to bear arms
• Right to free speech
• Right to free healthcare

4. Freedom from unlawful searches and arrests - Keeps
the police from being able to search and arrest people
without a reason

5. Rights of people accused of crimes - Protects people
accused of crimes from being taken to trial unfairly or
given unfair punishments

6. Trial by jury - Gives people accused of crimes the
right to a speedy public trial by jury. Spells out how a
trial is to be conducted

7. Civil trials - people involved in lawsuit have the right to
a jury trial

8. Bails, fines, and punishments - Protects people from
unfair bails, fines, and punishments

9. Rights to the people - People have more than just those
rights listed in the Constitution

10. Rights reserved for the states and the people - All
powers not give to the federal government belong to the
states or to the people themselves