American Government

Do Now: Fill in your planner. Take out your notes from class on Wednesday. Find your 2 o’clock partner. In your Planner: 1. Cornell Notes: Constitution HW: Complete tree of gov. By Monday! Today: Friday 4/15/16 Essential Question: What are the Bill of Rights and are they still relevant (important) today?

The Constitution Background Basically: a written plan for the American government. Created in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA) Approved in 1791 The first ten amendments (changes) are called the bill of rights

The Bill of Rights Amendment #1: Freedom of religion, Speech and protest The government can’t take away your right to choose your own religion; you have freedom of speech; you can speak out against your government, you can assemble or gather peacefully in a group.

The Bill of Rights Amendment #2: Right to bear arms (Own a gun) The government can’t make a law that says you can’t own a gun.

The Bill of Rights Amendment #3: Right to not house soldiers in time of peace The government can’t force you to house soldiers during times of peace.

The Bill of Rights Amendment #4: Right to a warrant The government can’t search your house/property without a search warrant, in most cases. In certain cases with probable cause, they can search your car.

The Bill of Rights Amendment #5: Double Jeopardy You can’t be tried twice for the same crime. (Double Jeopardy) You don’t have to testify against yourself. You can’t be deprived of “life, liberty, and property” without due process (you have the right to be heard in court.) The government must pay you for land that it takes. Self-incrimination

Think and write! Which of the first five amendments to the Constitution do you think is still most relevant (important)? Explain. Go find partner #2!

The Bill of Rights Amendment #6: Criminal Rights You have the right: to a speedy and public trial, to know the charges brought against you, to confront witnesses against you, and to have a lawyer.

The Bill of Rights Amendment #7: Right to trial by Jury When the value of a civil suit exceeds $20, you have a right to trial by jury. The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights Amendment #8: Cruel & Unusual Punishment You have a right to not have “cruel and unusual punishment” against you.

The Bill of Rights Amendment #9: Rights that aren’t covered by the Bill of Rights You have more rights than what is listed in the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights Amendment #10: State’s Rights Whatever powers/laws aren’t given to the Federal Government, are given to the States.

exit ticket You learned about the first ten amendments (A.K.A. Bill of Rights) to the constitution today. Do you think all of these are still relevant (important) today? Why or why not? (5 sentences)