Citizenship and Government

Georgia Performance Standards: SS5CG1 The student will explain how a citizen’s rights are protected under the U.S. Constitution. a. Explain the responsibilities of a citizen. b. Explain the freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights. c. Explain the concept of due process of law. d. Describe how the Constitution protects a citizen’s rights by due process. SS5CG2 The student will explain the process by which amendments to the U.S. Constitution are made. a. Explain the amendment process outlined in the Constitution. b. Describe the purpose for the amendment process. SS5CG4 The student will explain the meaning of “e pluribus unum” and the reason it is the motto of the United States.

Essential Questions: 1. How are American citizens guaranteed equal treatment under the law? 2. How does due process maintain that a citizen’s life, liberty, or property cannot be taken away without a fair trial? 3. What are my rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen? 4. How and why are changes made to the Constitution? 5. What is the U.S. motto and what does it mean?

The Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights.html People were concerned that the Constitution gave the government too much power so the Bill or Rights was added to help protect people’s freedoms. The Constitution became our country’s new system of government in June of 1788. The Bill Of Rights were made official in December of 1791.

The 1st Amendment Freedom of speech, press, and religion

The 2nd Amendment The right to bear arms.

The 3rd Amendment People do not have to allow soldiers to live in their homes.

The 4th Amendment The police cannot search or seize your property without a warrant.

The 5th Amendment A person accused of a crime: 1. has the right to a fair trial. 2. cannot be tried for the same crime twice (double jeopardy). 3. does not have to testify against him or herself in court. Also known as: DUE PROCESS

The 6th Amendment 1. People accused of a crime have the right to: a) a speedy public trial by a jury b) a lawyer even if they cannot afford one. c) be told what crime they are accused of.

The 7th Amendment 1. People who have a disagreement about something worth more than $20.00 have the right to a trial by jury.

The 8th Amendment 1. In most cases accused people can remain out of jail until their trial if they pay bail. (Bail is the sum of money they will lose if they do not show up for their trial.) 2. Courts cannot demand bail that is too high or punish people in cruel ways.

The 9th Amendment People have rights that are not listed in the Constitution.

The 10th Amendment Any rights or powers the Constitution does not give to the Federal government belong to the states and its people. State Federal Local

Rights vs. Responsibilities Now that you know what your rights are, what are your responsibilities? Brainstorm your ideas on your T-Chart. Taking part in elections. Paying taxes. Helping to defend the country. Being an informed citizen.

How is the Constitution Amended? 1. Propose An Amendment Either Congress or the States can propose an amendment to the Constitution. Both Houses of Congress must propose the amendment with a two-thirds vote. This is how all current amendments have been offered. Two-thirds of the State legislatures must call on Congress to hold a Constitutional Convention. 2/3 vote Taken from:http://uspolitics.about.com/od/usgovernment/a/amendments.htm

How is the Constitution Amended? (cont.) 2. Ratify An Amendment Regardless of how the amendment is proposed, it must be ratified by the States. Three-fourths of the State legislatures must approve of the amendment proposed by Congress, or Three-fourths of the states must approve the amendment via ratifying conventions. This method has only been used once, to repeal Prohibition (21st Amendment). ¾ vote Taken from:http://uspolitics.about.com/od/usgovernment/a/amendments.htm

Why Do We Amend the Constitution? Discuss this question with your neighbor for 1 minute. Answer: As our society changes our laws need to change to fit our needs. Example: The 15th Amendment was added in 1870 which allowed African American men the right to vote.