The Bill of RightsThe Bill of Rights

Few rights, if any are consider absolute(fully

allowed).

• The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. These amendment protect the basic rights and freedoms of individuals, including the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. The Bill of Rights guarantee that even when people are in the minority, their rights will be protected. It includes special protection for people accused of crimes. These protections ensure that all people are treated equally under the law.

1st Amendment:

Five main freedoms: Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and

Speech

2nd Amendment

• Citizens have the right to bear arms.

• States can form militias (National Guard)

3rd Amendment

Soldiers cannot be quartered

(kept) in private homes without

permission.

4th Amendment4th Amendment

• Freedom from search and seizure.

• Search warrants are issued based on probable cause.

5th Amendment 5th Amendment

Rights of the accused: no double jeopardy,

Self-incrimination, or cannot force someone to be a witness against themselves.

Rights of the accused: no double jeopardy,

Self-incrimination, or cannot force someone to be a witness against themselves.

6th Amendment6th Amendment

• Right to a fair and speedy trial, be informed of charges, confront witnesses, and consult an attorney.

7th Amendment 7th Amendment

• Right to trial by jury in civil law suits

Eighth Amendment

• No “cruel” or “unusual” punishment for crimes.

9th Amendment9th Amendment

• It’s impossible to create a list of everything you are entitled/have a right to (more than just a receipt). This states that you have more rights than what is only in the Constitution.

10th Amendment

• Powers reserved to the states.

(R.A.P.P.S.)

The First Amendment

The First Amendment

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects five basic freedoms: freedom of religion, assembly, the press, petition, and speech.

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.

- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

First Amendment Freedoms: RELIGION

• Government may not set up an official religion for the nation.

• Government may not interfere with the free practice of religion.

First Amendment Freedoms: ASSEMBLY

• People have a right to gather together, as long as their meetings are peaceful.

First Amendment Freedoms: PRESS

• People have a right to publish information in the media – even information that criticizes the government.

• Government may not censor books, newspapers, or other media.

First Amendment Freedoms: PETITION

• People have a right to express their views to public officials.

• People may petition, or ask, the government to redress, or correct any wrongs.

First Amendment Freedoms: SPEECH

• Government may not abridge, or limit, the right of individuals to express their opinions.

• Individuals are free to express their opinions and beliefs in speech or writing.

EXAMPLES

First Amendment Freedoms

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

1. Yolanda Highsmith operated a newspaper for the African-American community in a large city. In her newspaper, she often criticized the mayor and city council.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

2. Rick Jackson stood in front of an oil company’s office. He held a sign that said “Don’t buy oil from polluters.”

FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY

3. Twenty-two high school students met in the park across from school to protest the firing of the basketball coach.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

4. Roland and Marybeth wore black armbands to school to show support for political prisoners in South Africa.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION

5. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart taught their three children at home because their church does not approve of public education.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION

6. Jack and Maria refused to bow their heads during the prayer that began a session of the state legislature.

FREEDOM OF PETITION

7. Li Chen went from door to door, asking people to write letters to the president protesting government policies concerning the homeless.

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

8. Kendall and Roxie printed and handed out fliers describing the unfair hiring practices of a local business.

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

9. Rachel and LaTisha used the Internet at their public library to do research for a class assignment on the way the federal government works