Warm Up?

1. Warm Up? • Why was it so important to the Anti-Federalists that a Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution? • To guarantee people’s rights

2. The Bill of Rights

3. Amendment Process • The Bill of Rights were created and added to the constitution after it was written. • An Amendment may be proposed in either of 2 ways: • 1. Congressional Action • Vote of 2/3 of both houses of Congress • 2. Constitutional Convention • requested by 2/3 of state legislatures • Once an amendment is proposed it must be ratified by ¾ of the states.

4. The Bill of Rights protect our civil liberties. • Civil Liberties are the freedom we have to think and act without government interference or fear of unfair treatment.

5. First Amendment • The First Amendment protects 5 basic freedoms. • Freedom of Speech • Freedom of Religion • Freedom of the Press • Freedom of Assembly • Freedom Petition the Government

6. Freedom of Religion • Free Exercise Clause • This establishes the idea of separation of church and state • Forbids Congress from making any law prohibiting the free exercise of one’s religious beliefs. • Establishment Clause • Forbids Congress from establishing an official religion of the United States

7. Second Amendment • Guarantees the Right to bear Arms.

8. Third Amendment • Restricts the housing of federal troops in the homes of US citizens. • Remember, we had to house and feed British soldiers before the American Revolution • What was that act called? • Quartering Act

9. Seventh Amendment • Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases. • Civil cases involve lawsuits between people rather than crimes • Examples of this can include contract disputes or claiming a doctor had not treated you properly.

10. Ninth Amendment • Citizens have other rights not listed in the Constitution. • An example of this is our right to privacy in our homes, and confidentiality in our medical and financial records.

11. Tenth Amendment • Powers not delegated to the federal government are Reserved for the states. • Reserved Powers • Authority to set up schools, license lawyers & drivers and create marriage and divorce laws.

12. Amendments 4, 5 6, & 8 Protect the rights of the Accused • Guarantees fair and equal treatment under the law

13. Fourth Amendment • Protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures • Inspired by the Writs of Assistance • Law enforcement officers must have a search warrant in order to search a suspects home/business

14. Fifth Amendment • Defines criminal proceedings • Guarantees due process (following established legal procedures) • Protects citizens from double jeopardy and self incrimination (a defendant forcibly testifying against themselves in court)

15. Places limits on eminent domain • The governments power to take private property for public use • If the government takes someone’s house, then they must pay the person what the house is worth

16. Sixth Amendment • Guarantees a public and speedy trial, an attorney and to confront all witnesses.

17. Eighth Amendment • Protects those arrested or found guilty of a crime • Forbids “excessive bail”-an amount that is much too high • Forbids cruel and unusual punishment

18. Closing/Reflection? Summarize what you learned today: • What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights? • What are the five basic freedoms? • What is the purpose of the free exercise clause and establishment clause? • Summarize how the Bill of Rights protect the rights of the accused? • Why is the 9th amendment important? • Which amendment of the Bill of Rights do you feel is the most important?

19. Activity • In groups you will create a skit on the amendments assigned. When you’re skit is finished your classmates will try to guess which amendment you were acting.