1. The Constitution needed 9 states to ratify it. Some states, like Massachusetts, opposed the Constitution because it did not list the rights of the people.

2. John Hancock, the governor of Massachusetts, was tricked into believing that Virginia would not ratify the Constitution. This meant that George Washington, a Virginian, could not run for President if it still passed. So Hancock, wanting to be president himself, showed up and argued passionately for the Constitution to be ratified. Nine states ratified it, including Virginia. This spoiled his plan to be president, but it helped the Constitution get the 9 states needed to ratify it.

3. To help the Constitution pass, James Madison had promised that if they ratified (passed) it, he would propose a list of rights to be added as amendments. He kept his promise. Starting with over 100 ideas, he proposed a smaller list to the House of Representatives. The House approved 12. In the end, the states ratified 10.

4. James Madison

5. These 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights

6. What do the bill of rights contain?  The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

7. Who took the lead in making sure the Bill of Rights was eventually included in the Constitution? James Madison

8. Majority Rule – A majority of people (more than 50%) in society can make policies for everyone. Because a majority of people can decide for everyone, a Bill of Rights is needed to protect the 49% from laws the majority might pass that would violate their rights.

9. List the five basic freedoms protected by the First Amendment. Put a checkmark next to each of those freedoms that you exercise in your daily life. Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom to peaceably assemble The right to petition the government for a redress of grievances

10. Does freedom of speech mean words only, or does it include symbolic speech? Texas v. Johnson (1989) – the burning of the flag as an example of free speech. Is it protected by the 1 st amendment? Yes – it is protected free speech

11. List the two basic rights protected by the Second and Third Amendments The Second Amendment protects the right of citizens to bear arms. The Third Amendment prohibits the government from housing troops in citizens’ homes.

12. What steps must the police follow to search someone or someone’s property? 1. Police show a judge that they have a good reason for the search. 2.If the judge agrees, he or she issues a warrant saying who or what can be searched. 3.Police present the warrant and conduct the search.

13. List five important rights protected by the Fifth Amendment. 1.The right to a grand jury 2.Protects citizens from double jeopardy 3.Prohibits self-incrimination 4.Guarantees due process of law 5.Prohibits the government from taking private property without fair compensation.

14. List at least four key rights protected by the Sixth Amendment, such as the right to a speedy trial. Pick the one you think is most important and briefly explain why. Draw a symbol for each right. 1.The right to a speedy and public trial 2.The right to be judged by an impartial jury 3.The right to hear charges 4.The right to hear and question witnesses at a trial 5.The right to an attorney.

15. Seventh Amendment Juries can decide civil cases. You can harm someone without actually committing a crime. A civil case usually involves disputes over money or property.

16. The Eighth Amendment protects a person’s rights before and after a trial. List and describe both. A right to bail that is not excessive. You can pay money to stay out of jail during a trial. The amount must be reasonable. Cruel and unusual punishment is banned. For example, you cannot be tortured. Remember the ducking stool?

17. According to the Ninth Amendment, are the rights listed in the Constitution the only ones you have and that are protected? No. The Ninth allows the courts and Congress to decide other basic rights of citizens.

18. According to the Tenth Amendment, who gets the powers not specifically given to the Federal government? The states and the people. One example of a power not given to the Federal government that affects daily life is the power to set speed limits. Therefore, the state gets this power.