The Bill of Rights Know your rights!!!

History of the Bill of Rights Used George Mason’s Virginia Bill of Rights as model Why written? To protect the people from gov’t taking away their rights Many framers did not think the Bill of Rights would be much of an impact

Amendment Process – national and State government needed Congress proposes amendment 2/3 in both houses needed Or special convention (never used) If proposal approved, sent to states to accept or reject. State legislatures pass need ¾ of states to pass it. Or state conventions (used only once)

Why is it so difficult to amend the Constitution?? Difficult process will prevent unnecessary changes You have to have what the people want it (State level)

About 1 Amendment every 12 years since 1791has been passed. Last Amendment (27th – 1991)– Congressional Pay- pay change not go into effect until the next Congress – so congressmen don’t give themselves a raise

Individual Freedom Amendments- 1,2,3,4

First Amendment – “Heart of America’s Freedom” You have the Freedom of Speech You have the Right to Protest or (peacefully assemble) You have the Right to free press (write what you want) You have the right to choose your own religion

You have those rights until you infringe on the rights of others!!

Amendments 2,3,4 were written as a result of the colonists treatment from Britain

2nd Amendment Right to bear arms A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Is this really the right to own a gun????

3rd Amendment No housing of troops in peacetime

4th Amendment Privacy Amendment You and your belongings are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures under 4th amendment Search warrants Items seized w/o a warrant cannot be used in court

Rights of those Accused- Amendments 5-8

5th Amendment Guarantees Due Process- the government has to follow certain process and fair rules when a person is accused Miranda Rights (comes from this) Eminent Domain Double Jeopardy Plead the 5th

6th Amendment Right to a speedy trial by jury in criminal cases Right to a lawyer comes from this

7th Amendment Right to a speedy trial by jury in civil cases

8th Amendment No excessive bail or punishment “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” What about the death penalty?

9th Amendment Rights not listed belong to the citizens- we have more rights than are listed For example-the right to speak any language or the right to have a lawyer provided for you by the state

10th Amendment Reserved Power in federalism- powers not given to national government and not denied to states then given to the states Establish local governments Establish schools

All Done!!!!