The Bill of Rights

8.C&G.1.1 - Summarize democratic ideals expressed in local, state, and national government .
8.C&G.1.2 - Evaluate the degree to which democratic ideals are evident in historical documents from North Carolina and the United States.

Class Notes: Copy them into your Binder! Quiz will follow!

Many people have referenced the Bill of Rights, especially in the media recently, but what exactly is this Bill of Rights?

"Some delegates, however, would not approve the Constitution when it was sent to the states for ratification until it included a bill of rights listing the individual rights of every citizen. So, the Convention promised a bill of rights would be attached to the final version. Several amendments were immediately considered when the first Congress met in 1789. Twelve amendments, written by James Madison, were presented to the states for final approval. Only ten were approved. Those ten make up the Bill of Rights. They are also the first ten amendments to the Constitution."

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

AMENDMENT I

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 peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances

I can practice any religion, I can protest peacefully in a group, I can write my thoughts and opinions, and I can petition the Govt.

AMENDMENT II

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

I can own a firearm as long as I am legally qualified to posses it.
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AMENDMENT III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law

I do not have to let the military stay in my house during peace time
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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 or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized
.You can't search my car, house, or bag without probable cause or a warrant to do so.

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 offence 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
.I can't be tried twice... You have to pay me if you take my property for pulic use, I can plead the 5th (not state thigs that could be used against me)

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 his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence
I can have a quick and speedy trial, see the people accusing me in court, witnesses for my defese, and a lawyer.

AMENDMENT VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law
I Have the right to a jury trial.

AMENDMENT VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted
Bail can not be excessive, No Cruel and Unusual Punishments

AMENDMENT IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people
You can not infringe upon the rights of others while practicing your rights.

AMENDMENT X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people
Any Power that is not already allotted to the Federal Government by the Constitution is reserved for the State and Local level.

Practice Games

Concentration Links to an external site.

Matching Links to an external site.

Musical versions of the Amendments Links to an external site. Does Not Work on ABSS Owned Devices