YOUR CONSTITUTION The Bill of Rights

Amending the Constitution A Constitutional Amendment may be proposed by 2/3 vote of both Houses of Congress, or through a Constitutional Convention called by 2/3 of the state legislatures. An Amendment is ratified by 3/4 of the states’ legislatures, or 3/4 of the states Constitutional Conventions vote it in.

Pass out Amendment page Fold this paper in ½ and staple into your notes!!! Take notes in your notebook about the Bill of Rights from the following powerpoint, and use the handout to assist you too!

Amendment 1 This amendment sets out each citizen’s basic rights. Freedom of Religion The government cannot promote an official religion or outlaw any religion. Freedom of Speech/the Press Limitations = no slander or libel, no endangering the nation or public Freedom to Assemble To hold public meetings to discus public issues. Freedom of Petition To ask the government to correct a wrongful situation. This is the most important and best-known amendment.

Amendment 2 The right for citizens to protect themselves. Usually interpreted as the right to own a gun. The government does regulate gun ownership.

Amendment 3 Prevents the government from quartering (housing) troops in private citizen’s homes. This idea goes back to when the British government housed troops in colonists’ homes prior to the American Revolution.

Amendment 4 Protects citizen’s right to privacy. Law officers must follow guidelines before the violate a citizen’s privacy. Probable cause Search warrant

Amendment 5 No one must testify against them self. No one can be tried for a major crime unless they are charged by a grand jury. No one can be tried twice for the same crime (double jeopardy). No one can be imprisoned without due process (following legal guidelines). Places limits on eminent domain – the government’s power to take private property for public use.

Amendment 6 Right to a speedy trial. Establishes guidelines to ensure trials are fair. Accused is told of charges Accused given the chance to defend himself Trial must be public Accused must be able to questions witnesses Accused has the right to a lawyer

Amendment 7 You may request a jury trial in a CIVIL case involving more than $20. A civil case involves a dispute about individual rights and legal obligations.

Amendment 8 Prohibits excessive bail (a sum of money or property the accused person agrees to give up if he/she fails to return for trial). Punishments must “fit” the crime. Prohibits cruel and unusual punishments.

Amendment 9 The rights listed here are NOT the only rights that people have.

Amendment 10 All rights not specifically given to the federal government or specifically forbidden to the states are given to the states or the people. These are called reserved powers.