7th Grade Civics

The Bill of Rights

RAPPS

eligionssemblyressetitionpeech

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The purpose of the 1st Amendment is to

allow people to express themselves.

1st

This right of expression is considered by many Americans

to be the most important freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.

1st

The 1st Amendment gives us the right to worship as we

please – or not to worship at all.

1st

Right to assemble in groups in a

peaceful way and for peaceful

purposes.

1st

Freedom of the press

(newspapers, magazines, TV)

1st

Right for citizens to

sign petitions (or requests)

to the government

1st

Freedom of speech

1st

right to bear arms

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the right to have a gun

What is the right

to bear arms?

Freedom from having to quarter

soldiers in time of peace

*1st

During the Revolutionary War, the British forced the American

colonists to let soldiers live in their houses.

3rd

The 3rd Amendment protects American

citizens from having to let soldiers live in

their homes.

3rd

Searches and

seizures regulated

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The 4th Amendment protects you from having your home searched illegally.

4th

Right to grand jury, double jeopardy, and due process

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Grand JuryIf a person is accused of a serious crime, he is first

brought before a grand jury. This jury listens to the charges and studies the evidence given. If there is enough evidence, the person is indicted and stands

trial for the crime.

5th

Double Jeopardy

You can not be tried twice for

the same crime.

5th

Due Process of LawA person must be given a fair trial

according to all the rules and procedures in the Constitution.

5th

Fair trial in criminal cases

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If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to a fair trial.

6th

Jury trial in most civil cases

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• The 7th Amendment applies to civil lawsuits.

• A civil case does not involve a crime.

• It is usually a dispute between two or more parties over rights or duties.

7th

If the value being disputed is more than $20, the civil lawsuit is

brought to trial before a jury.

7th

Reasonable bail, fines and

punishment

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The 8th Amendment limits the amount of bail set by a judge or

fines a person must pay for breaking certain laws.

8th

Protection of rights not written in

Constitution

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Power to states or people (if not given to federal

government)

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Amendments 9 & 10 were

added so that all rights not listed directly

in the Constitution would belong to the people or the states.

Americans also have the right to . . .

• live anywhere• hold a job• receive an education• get married