1. Constitutional Rights
Chapter 2

2. Foundations of the U.S. Constitution
Why do we have laws?
How did we get these laws?
What makes America…America?
What powers do we and the government have?
Why are these powers split up?
What is a constitution?

3. Birth of America
On July 4th, 1776 the Second Continental Congress, made up of reps. from the 13 original colonies sign a piece of paper.
What is this piece of paper called?
Why is it important?

4. Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson (later becomes the 3rd President of the United States)
Charge King George the 3rd with a “history of repeated injuries” and “absolute tyranny”.
“All men are created equal…life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Full text

5. Articles of Confederation
Created in 1781
The problem was that there was good and bad
Strength
Weakness
Brought states together
No court system
Raised money for an army/navy, could also declare war
Could not collect taxes
Opened post offices
Can not regulate trade
Print money
Establishes Congress

6. The Constitution Created in 1787
Special convention convened in Philadelphia
Officially started the U.S. government we have now on March 4, 1789
Didn’t include the enough protection for human rights

7. Bill of Rights First 10 Amendments Guaranteed rights to every American
These are also called, your Civil Rights
Which is the most important?

8. Civil Rights
In addition to the Bill of Rights, you are guaranteed other civil rights
Abolition of slavery…13th Amendment
Right to vote…15th Amendment
Women…19th Amendment
18 years old…26th Amendment
Privacy rights

9. Checks and Balances
Balances the power between the branches of government so that one branch doesn’t have too much power.
Legislative Branch: Senate and House of Representatives
Executive Branch: People vote but Electoral College elects
Judicial Branch: Supreme Court has ultimate say on laws made by other branches

10. Quick Terms Amendment: to change or alter
Democracy: a government run by the people
Direct: everyone gets a direct vote
Republic/Representative: one person represents many
Sovereignty: political authority, independent
Interstate Commerce: trade between states
Intrastate Commerce: trade within a state

11. How do the interwebz fit into all this?
Cyberlaw: laws intended to govern use of computers in e-commerce and the interwebz
Why is this forcing laws to change?
How does it relate to you Civil Rights?
Privacy, protection, stalking, bullying, etc.
Cyber Ethics