Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights The purpose of the Bill of Rights is to limit the power of the Federal government while protecting the rights of the people and states. The BOR provides people Civil Liberties- freedoms we have without government interference

Having Civil Liberties doesn’t mean we can break the law- ‘Your rights end where someone else’s begin’ What does this mean? Your rights are balanced against the good of the community (common good)

1st Amendment The Five Freedoms Religion Assembly Press Petition Speech

Freedom of Religion Government can’t… Limits: Establish a national religion Deny you the ability to practice your religion Limits: Can’t hurt anyone Can’t break the law in practicing your religion

Freedom of Assembly Allows us to peacefully meet as a group for any reason We can join any group we want ex. We can join any group we want: church, boy scouts, political parties Limits: Can’t Trespass riot

Petition Allows us the right to complain about or protest the government This allows us to express our views about the government Limits Can’t make threats against the government Trespass Become violent (riot)

Freedom of Press Allows us to publish news/information The ability to access and read news Limits: Can’t knowingly write lies about someone (libel) Can’t knowingly publish information that would hurt national security.

Freedom of Speech Allows us to say what we want without fear of punishment from the government This includes “symbolic speech” Limits: Can’t: Create a dangerous or violent situation (ex. can’t yell FIRE in a crowded theater) Knowingly speak lies about someone (slander)

Freedom of Speech Obscene Material: Is the material inappropriate for children or adults to see in public? Schools, employers, and PARENTS can limit speech Endanger National Security

5th Amendment No citizen can be denied the right to life, liberty, or property without “DUE PROCESS” of law or a grand jury in a capital case Cannot self-incriminate, or be forced to testify against yourself “Pleading the Fifth” Today police must give “Miranda warning” to people before they are arrested

5th Amendment Contd. Cannot be retried of a crime you were found innocent of Double jeopardy Limits the government’s power of “EMINENT DOMAIN” (the right of the government to take private property). The government must pay what your property is worth. “Property Rights”

6th Amendment Right to a speedy and public trial jury Right to a speedy and public trial Be informed of nature of the crime Right to an attorney

7th Amendment The right to a trial by jury in civil cases over $20 Civil Cases: Lawsuits that involve disagreements between people, not crimes

8th Amendment Judge can’t set excessive (large) bail or fines No “cruel and unusual punishment”

2nd Amendment The right to bear arms (own a weapon)

3rd Amendment May not force citizens to house troops in their homes Reaction to the Quartering Act prior to the American Revolution

4th Amendment Protects Americans from unlawful searches and seizures of home or property Law enforcement can search your property if they have probable cause and a search warrant

9th Amendment People have rights not listed specifically in the previous amendments Example: You have the right to get married or fly on a plane

10th Amendment The states have rights and powers not specifically listed in Constitution Example: States can regulate education, marriage, and the death penalty Purpose is to limit the power of the President and Congress

Match the right with the amendment: ______Did you find a right not listed in the Constitution? It still belongs to the people! ______Citizens can keep and bear arms. ______If a power isn’t given to the federal government, it goes to the states or the people. ______You don’t have to house soldiers in your home during peacetime. 9 2 10 3