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

EQ

• EXPLAIN HOW CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND SUPREME COURT CASES IMPACT THE LIVES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE?

The Bill of Rights

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.

Civil Rights vs. Civil Liberties

• The Bill of Rights protect our civil liberties.– Civil Liberties the basic rights that

are granted to all people by the Constitution.• Religion, speech, voting

– Civil Rights are granted by the government to ensure equal treatment and prevent discrimination• When someone of a particular

race, gender, age, disability has to fight for one of those civil liberties – Woman paid less than a man

First Amendment

• The First Amendment protects 5 basic freedoms.

1. Freedom of Speech2. Freedom of Religion3. Freedom of the Press4. Freedom of Assembly5. Freedom Petition the

Government

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

Second Amendment

• Guarantees the Right to bear Arms.

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

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.

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.

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.

Amendments 4, 5, 6, & 8 Protect the rights of the Accused

• Guarantees fair and equal treatment under the law

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

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)

• 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

Sixth Amendment

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

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

Closing/Reflection?1. What is the difference between a Civil Liberty and a Civil Right?2. What do you think the difference is between Civil Rights and

Individual Rights3. What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?4. What are the five basic freedoms?5. What is the purpose of the free exercise clause and establishment

clause?6. Give two examples of constitutional amendments that prevent the

abuse of government power.7. Summarize how the Bill of Rights protect the rights of the accused?8. Why is the 9th amendment important?9. Which amendment of the Bill of Rights do you feel is the most

important?

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.