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Protecting Civil Liberties: The Bill of Rights and First Amendment

Explore how the Bill of Rights safeguards individual freedoms and limits government power, with a focus on civil liberties such as speech, press, and assembly. Understand the First Amendment's crucial role in ensuring religious freedom, free speech, and the right to petition the government. Learn about landmark Supreme Court cases related to freedom of speech and press. Dive into the R.A.S.S.D.A.T. E.P.S. mnemonic for easy recall of the Bill of Rights' key provisions.

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Protecting Civil Liberties: The Bill of Rights and First Amendment

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  1. Chapter 4 – The Amendments to the US Constitution http://www.centeroncongress.org/the-bill-rights

  2. The “Bill of Rights” • Added in 1791, the first 10 amendments are known as the “Bill of Rights”. • The purpose is to limit the power of the federal government by protecting the rights of the people • It was added because the Anti-Federalists demanded it.

  3. “Civil Liberties” • The Bill of Rights guarantees “Civil liberties” - freedoms we have to think and act without government interference or fear of unfair treatment. • The Amendments place strict limits on how the federal government treats the people.

  4. “Civil Liberties” • “Civil liberties”, however, do not allow American citizens to do things like break the law. • “Your rights end where someone else’s begin”… • Your rights are balanced against the rights of others and the good of the community.

  5. “R.A.S.S.D.A.T. E.P.S.”

  6. “R.A.S.S.D.A.T. E.P.S.” R.A.S.S.D.A.T. E.P.S is an easy way to remember the “Bill of Rights”. • R = Religion, Assembly, Speech, Press, Petition • A = Arms (right to bear arms) • S = Soldier Quartering • S = Search & Seizure (privacy amendment) • D = Double Jeopardy, Due process, eminent Domain and you Don’t have to testify against yourself (rights of the accused) • A = Attorney & fair and speedy trial in Criminal Cases • T = Trial by Jury in Civil Cases over $20 • E = Excessive Bail or Cruel and Unusual Punishment • P = People’s Rights • S = States Rights

  7. “The First Amendment” Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

  8. “R.A.S.P.P.” • “R.A.S.P.P” is a good acronym to remember the major elements of the First Amendment. • This amendment protects the 5 basic freedomsthat are essential to the American way of life. • Religion, Assembly, Speech, Press, Petition!!!

  9. 1. “R” = Religion • Freedom of Religionprohibits Congress from establishing any official or “state” religionin the U.S. • It also guarantees Americans the right to worship or practice any religionthey choose (or to not worship at all). • Americans special value on freedom of religion since many people moved here to escape religious persecution.

  10. 2. “A” = Assembly • Freedom of Assemblyprotects our right to assemble in groups for any reason as long as these assemblies are peaceful in nature. • This also allows us to join whatever groups we choose to join…

  11. 3. “S” = Speech • Freedom of Speechprotects your right to say what is on your mind, in public or private, without fear ofpunishment by the government. • Face to face discussions, telephone conversations, lectures, and even “unspoken expressions” are all protected. • It does not allow for speech that is harmful to people or that threatensthe government. • Slander: spoken lies • Libel: maliciously printing lies

  12. Landmark Supreme Court Cases Tinker v. Des Moines Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Students were in charge of writing school newspaper and drafted two articles about pregnancy and divorce. Principal deleted the articles from the school newspaper before printing in fear that students may be identified who were pregnant or from divorced families Is this is a 1st Amendment Violation? • During Vietnam War Era • School banned protests of any kind • Students (Tinker) wore black armbands to silently protests the war and were expelled • Is this a 1st Amendment Violation?

  13. 4. “P” = Press • Freedom of the pressprotects our rights to express ourselves in published information and allows us to read what others have published (without “censorship”). • This freedom is also limited (as speech) • Libel – cannot publish lies that are malicious and mean to harm others • National Security v Freedom of the Press???

  14. 5. “P” = Petition • Freedom of petitionguarantees all Americans the right to petition (a formal request) the government. • This allows us to express our views to the government.

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