Lesson 27

Nick, Zach, Jill

Terms

Autonomy- Self GovernmentEconomic rights- Choosing the work one wants to

do. Negative rights- Restrict government action.Personal rights- Provide individual autonomy.Political rights-Rights individuals that address

political participation.Positive rights- Require government to act and

specified ways.Rights- Things people do.

Main Ideas

• The Bill of Rights and what it covers.

• How to understand and examine the Bill of Rights.

• How it has changed throughout the years since started.

Understanding The Bill of Rights

• Who holds the rights?

• What kinds of rights? Personal…Economic…or political?

• Is government involved?

Who holds rights?

• Three categories: Classes, individuals, and institutions.

• Individuals- Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Common rights to the people.

• Classes- Laws can grant rights to children, disabled, or people with professional qualifications. Ex. Teachers.

• Institutions- Schools, and business partnerships.

What are common categories of rights?

• Three categories: Personal, Political, and Economic rights.

• Personal rights- Autonomy, or self governing individuals. Life, liberty, and property. God given rights.

• Political- the right to vote, and engage in political activities. Ex. Supporting a candidate.

• Economic rights- Choosing profession, acquiring property, and making purchases.

Do rights require government to act or refrain from acting?

• Dependant on the relationship between individuals and classes or categories.

• Ideas of positive and negative rights.

• Gives protection to people. Such as protection from other nations and crimes.

• Negative rights restrict government action. Many negative rights are found in the constitution and Bill of Rights.

What rights are protected in the Bill of Rights?

• Infringement upon the “right to bear arms”—Second Amendment

• “No soldier shall be quartered in any house in a time of peace.”—Third Amendment.

Importance of the Ninth and Tenth Amendments

• The Ninth Amendment provides enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.– It commands judges and Congress to affirm

rights not mentioned in the constitution.– Does not guarantee any limitations on the

National Government.

Attitude toward the Bill of Rights

• Initially people thought the Bill of Rights would do more harm than good.

• It would have little affect on the average person.

• The 20th century is when it reached its significance.

• Now considered the most important single document.

Critical Thinking

• Get into a group of three to five people.• Examine one of these amendments: First,

fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth.• Identify…

-If held by individuals, classes, or institutions.

-Personal, economic, or political rights

-Positive or negative rights

Report conclusions to class.

Our Opinion

• We looked at the first amendment.

• It protects the rights of individuals and also the rights of groups of people.

• It protects personal and political rights.

• This amendment was a negative right.