1. The Bill of Rights Packet 7

2. When England and King George ruled the Colonies: The people felt they had no rights. Before the leaders of the new country would agree to a new government, they wanted to make sure that wouldn’t happen again. They insisted on a “Bill of Rights” to be added to their new Constitution (written plan for government)

3. The Bill of Rights The first 10 amendments to the Constitution

4. 1 st Amendment (lists 5 freedoms people have by being here) 1.Freedom of religion: you can be any religion you wish – or none if you wish (goes back to the Church of England being tied in directly with the British government). 2.Freedom of speech: as long as it is true 3.Freedom of the press: as long as it’s true 4.Freedom of assembly: people can get together for any reason (peaceful, or even in protests) 5.Freedom of petition: the government should help you out if you “petition” them (ask them).

5. 2 nd Amendment People have the right to “keep and bear arms” This was written 230 years ago The question today is what they really meant: For hunting? For protection? For rebelling against your government if you need to? Guns are much different today than in 1776

6. 3 rd Amendment Soldiers cannot stay in your home without your permission This comes from colonial times – when the British government couldn’t afford food and places to stay for all it’s soldiers in the colonies – so they sometimes could live in citizen’s homes and those people “supported” them.

7. 4 th Amendment Police need a search warrant to enter your home. Police need a court order to take any of your property.

8. 5 th Amendment No one can be tried for the same crime more than once. (except – criminal and civil cases are different) No-one can be forced to testify against themselves. (You are innocent until you’re proven guilty) The government can’t take your property without paying a fair price for it. (Such as your land to build a new…) People must have fair trials.

9. 6 th Amendment If you are charged with a crime… you have the right to: 1.a jury trial 2.a speedy trial 3.know why you’ve been arrested

10. 7 th Amendment A person involved in a lawsuit can have a jury trial if they want one

11. 8 th Amendment Bail cannot be too high (the amount of money you pay to get out of jail) Fines and punishments for crimes must be fair and proportionate.

12. 9 th Amendment There are many rights that aren’t put into the constitution.

13. 10 th Amendment Powers not given to the United States government in the constitution, are given to the states and the people. (Has to do with Reserved Powers, Implied Powers, etc… which we’ll look at later)