A Constitutional Rights Activity TM

What is a right? TM

Where are our rights listed? The Florida Constitution TM

What is the purpose of a Constitution? States how the government is organized and its functions Lists some (but not all) of our rights Limits the powers of government TM

Who does the Constitution protect us from? Government TM

What are the first 10 amendments to our US Constitution called? TM

The first 10 Amendments are The Bill of Rights TM

Who makes sure our rights are protected? The Courts TM

How It Works Rights are granted by the Constitution, and the Constitution is protected by the Courts. Granted byProtected by TM

Let’s look at some of the rights in our US Constitution TM

Freedom of Speech TM

Amendment 1 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. TM

Speech: the communication or expression of thoughts to convey a message Should speech ever be limited? FIRE! TM

Right to Bear Arms TM

Amendment 2 A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of the free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. TM

When is the use of guns NOT okay? Should people even be allowed to use guns? What does the Second Amendment say about it? TM

Right to Legal Counsel TM

Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. TM

Assistance of Counsel: the right to be represented by a lawyer during a criminal case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) Mr. Gideon was charged with a felony but did not have money for a lawyer. He felt it was unfair and asked for a free lawyer. The US Supreme Court agreed that in order to have a fair trial, poor defendants needed a lawyer. TM

Right to protection from cruel and unusual punishment TM

Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. TM

Back in the 1700s, people received cruel and unusual punishment for breaking the law. What kind of behavior do you think would be cruel and unusual? Cruel & Unusual: Involving torture or a lingering death; barbarous; inhuman; involving the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain TM

Freedom of the Press TM

Amendment 1 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. TM

Press: The media and any other organizations that print, broadcast, or gather and transmit news. Do you think the press should have some limits? If so, why? TM

Right to Jury Trial TM

Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed ; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. TM

Jury: a group of persons selected and sworn to give a decision/verdict based on facts in a legal case Jury Trial: a trial before a jury of one’s peers (equals) What are benefits of having a jury trial? What are the problems with having a jury trial? TM

Freedom of Religion TM

Amendment 1 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. TM

CHURCHSTATE “Wall of separation” between church and state ~Thomas Jefferson TM

Right to Peaceably Assemble TM

Amendment 1 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. TM

Assemble: To bring together or to gather in one place Peaceably: Not violent; calm TM

Where do you have the right to assemble? What are possible limitations? ParkSidewalk Time Street Place Manner TM

Protection from Self-Incrimination TM

Amendment V No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation. TM

Self-incrimination: Testifying against yourself; being compelled by the government to provide evidence or factual information that connects you to an offense (crime). I want to plead the Fifth. TM

Right to protection from unreasonable searches and seizures TM

Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath of affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. TM

Search: To go or look through carefully to find something Seizure: The taking of a person, an item, or property TM