Bill of Rights

The Origins of the Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution before states would ratify it. The Bill of Rights protects us from our government power. They are the 1st 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

Amendment One: Religious and Political Freedom Freedom of Religion Freedom of Speech Freedom of the Press Freedom to Petition and Freedom to Assemble “He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing him with manly firmness his invasion of the right of the people; -Declaration of Independence Why is free speech important in a free society?

Amendment Two: Right to Bear Arms A well regulated militia is necessary to the security of a free state, The right of the people to bear arms shall not be infringed.

Amendment Three: Quartering of Troops The Government cannot make citizens house soldiers in their private homes without the owners consent. “for quartering large bodies of armed troops among us; -Declaration of Independence

Amendment Four: Search and Seizure An individual’s right to privacy cannot be violated by the government. Before the government can search and seize your property a warrant must first be issued that describes the place that is to be searched and the item(s) that will be confiscated. This guards against unreasonable searches and seizures of property. Who determines what is and is not reasonable?

Amendment Five: Rights of the Accused Establishes the “Due Process of Law” A person cannot be brought to trial unless they are first indicted by a grand jury. An individual cannot be tried twice for the same offense. “Double Jeopardy” An individual does not have to testify against him or herself. The government cannot take your life, liberty, or property without first going through the due process of the law. Your property cannot be taken without reasonable compensation for it. (eminent domain)

Amendment Six: Speedy Trial If accused of a crime your case will be granted a speedy public trial, in the county of the state in which you reside, by a impartial jury. “for transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses; - Declaration of Independence

Amendment Seven: Trial by Jury In matters of civil and criminal cases you shall be granted a trial by an impartial jury of your peers, The decision of this jury is final and your case cannot be brought to another court unless allowed by established rules. “for depriving us in many cases the benefit of a trial by jury; -Declaration of Independence

Amendment Eight: Limit on Fines and Punishment If an individual is found guilty of a crime, the punishment must suit the crime. A court cannot: Issue excessive bail, Issue an excessive fine Or punish you cruelly or unusually. The punishment must suit the crime. Big crime = Big Punishment Small Crime = Small punishment.

Amendment Nine: Rights of the People This amendment states that the people have other rights too, not just the ones listed in the Bill of Rights. This was done so as to not limit the rights of individuals to only the ones listed in the Bill of Rights. Congress cannot pass laws to deny or diminish the rights already stated.

Amendment Ten: Powers of the State and People This amendment supports the principle of Federalism. It basically states that the national government only has the powers given to it by the Constitution, all other powers belong to the States or to the people.

Classifying your rights Bill of Rights Individual Liberties Rights of the Accused Use of Power

QUIZ TIME Which two Amendments protect your privacy? Which Amendments guarantee that you receive fair legal treatment? Which Amendment protects your right to express yourself? Which Amendment(s) were passed in response to the following grievances: “For quartering large bodies of troops among us.” “For transporting us over Seas for pretended offenses.” “For depriving us in many cases of the benefit of a Trial by Jury” The Bill of Rights was not originally apart of the Constitution, explain the reason why it was added.

Limits on fines and punishment Quiz Time No quartering of soldiers & Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures are two amendments that protect your right to what? What is the best title for chart below: List the five freedoms protected under the 1st Amendment. Which Amendment(s) were passed in response to the following grievances: “For quartering large bodies of troops among us.” “For transporting us over Seas for pretended offenses.” “For depriving us in many cases of the benefit of a Trial by Jury” 5. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution because ….. Amendment # Rights protected 5th Rights of the Accused 6th Speedy Public Trial 7th Trial by Jury 8th Limits on fines and punishment