The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties Unit 5 Essential Question: How are your rights defined and protected under the Constitution?

Liberties and Rights Civil liberties – are freedoms. They start with “Freedom of ___.” Examples: Freedom of speech, religion, to assemble peacefully. Civil rights – privileges that come with being a citizen. They start with “Right to ___.” Examples: Right to jury trial, right to vote. The Bill of Rights (1st ten amendments) grants many liberties & rights. This might be only words on paper, but the Supreme Court protects the Bill of Rights. Marbury v. Madison (1803) saw the Supreme Court interpret the Constitution for the 1st time. Started judicial review = Supreme Court interprets Constitution. Fourteenth Amendment (1868) says states can’t take away liberties and rights. (Citizenship amendment.)

Liberties and Rights (continued) At times in history, interpreting the Constitution has been wrong and unfair. (Example: racial segregation used to be legal.) But, the Constitution is a “living document”—it changes with time. Example: Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and Brown v. Board of Educ. (1954) The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution. So… How are your rights defined and protected under the Constitution? They are defined by the Supreme Court’s rulings over the years. The Bill of Rights guarantees your rights. Court rulings set precedents or examples/tradition which protect your rights.

Amendment Pictures Finish those drawings for the chosen Amendments.