1. The Bill of Rights
Know your rights!!!

2. History of the Bill of Rights
Used George Mason’s Virginia Bill of Rights as model
Why written? To protect the people from gov’t taking away their rights
Many framers did not think the Bill of Rights would be much of an impact

3. Amendment Process – national and State government needed
Congress proposes amendment
2/3 in both houses needed
Or special convention (never used)
If proposal approved, sent to states to accept or reject.
State legislatures pass need ¾ of states to pass it.
Or state conventions (used only once)

4. Why is it so difficult to amend the Constitution??
Difficult process will prevent unnecessary changes
You have to have what the people want it (State level)

5. About 1 Amendment every 12 years since 1791has been passed.
Last Amendment (27th – 1991)– Congressional Pay- pay change not go into effect until the next Congress – so congressmen don’t give themselves a raise

6. Individual Freedom Amendments- 1,2,3,4

7. First Amendment – “Heart of America’s Freedom”
You have the Freedom of Speech
You have the Right to Protest or (peacefully assemble)
You have the Right to free press (write what you want)
You have the right to choose your own religion

8. You have those rights until you infringe on the rights of others!!

9. Amendments 2,3,4 were written as a result of the colonists treatment from Britain

10. 2nd Amendment Right to bear arms
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Is this really the right to own a gun????

11. 3rd Amendment
No housing of troops in peacetime

12. 4th Amendment Privacy Amendment
You and your belongings are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures under 4th amendment
Search warrants
Items seized w/o a warrant cannot be used in court

13. Rights of those Accused- Amendments 5-8

14. 5th Amendment
Guarantees Due Process- the government has to follow certain process and fair rules when a person is accused
Miranda Rights (comes from this)
Eminent Domain
Double Jeopardy
Plead the 5th

15. 6th Amendment Right to a speedy trial by jury in criminal cases
Right to a lawyer comes from this

16. 7th Amendment
Right to a speedy trial by jury in civil cases

17. 8th Amendment No excessive bail or punishment
“Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”
What about the death penalty?

18. 9th Amendment
Rights not listed belong to the citizens- we have more rights than are listed
For example-the right to speak any language or the right to have a lawyer provided for you by the state

19. 10th Amendment
Reserved Power in federalism- powers not given to national government and not denied to states then given to the states
Establish local governments
Establish schools

20. All Done!!!!