The Bill of Rights and other amendments to

The Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U. S. Constitution

1 st Amendment: 5 Freedoms • 5 important rights are included in the 1 st amendment. • These rights are the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. • Although these rights are guaranteed to each citizen, there are limits to our rights as well.

Religious Freedom • For example, you may choose to practice any religion, but… • Your religious beliefs must not be forced upon others or break any other laws (without special permission). • The government is not allowed to favor any religion over another according to the 1 st Amendment.

Freedom of Speech • You are free to say or write whatever you want, but… • you must take responsibility for the message of your speech. • If you lie about someone and it damages their reputation, you can be sued for libel (falsely damaging someone’s reputation).

Freedom of the Press • This means that reporters and writers have the right to report the news without the government getting in the way. • What would happen if a reporter said something bad about the president?

Freedom of Assembly and Petition • You may gather peacefully with others for any cause or protest. (Assembly) • You may talk to your representative or write them a letter if you want them to change something according to your opinions or beliefs. (Petition)

2 nd Amendment: The Right to Bear Arms • The bill of rights allows Americans to own guns, however… • Individual states are allowed to make laws that control how people use and buy guns • Ex. Banning assault weapons, background checks, and laws about where guns are allowed

3 rd Amendment: Quartering of Soldiers • Before the Revolutionary War, British soldiers were allowed to go into colonist’s homes whenever they pleased • Now, soldiers may not stay in your home without your permission when we are not at war • There are specific rules for when soldiers may use your home during a war

4 th Amendment: Unreasonable Searches and Seizures • The government does not have the right to: • search your house or car, • listen to your phone calls, • take your possessions, • frisk you, • or install listening devices in your house or car unless… • they have probable cause and/or a warrant

The Fifth Amendment • Just like the 1 st Amendment, 5 separate rights are included in the 5 th Amendment • This amendment lists legal rights if accused of a crime: • Must be charged with a specific crime • May not be charged twice for the same crime • Cannot be forced to testify against yourself

5 th Amendment: Grand Jury Protection • Before any person accused of a serious crime can be brought to trial, … • a jury (group of U. S. citizens) must agree that there is enough evidence against them.

5 th Amendment: Self-Incrimination and Double Jeopardy • Self-incrimination= you do not have to say anything if asked about a crime that you are accused of • Double Jeopardy= If you are found not guilty once, you cannot be taken back to court for the same exact crime

5 th Amendment: Due Process • No one can legally kill you, imprison you, or take away things you own unless you are convicted of breaking the law • Everyone is protected and punished equally by the same laws

5 th Amendment: Eminent Domain • If the government wants to use the land on or around your property, they can buy it for a “fair” price. • The government of Illinois used the right of eminent domain in my town of Lemont to bulldoze houses in order to make room for the I 355 highway extension.

6 th Amendment: Rights of the Accused • After someone has been accused of a crime they have the right to: • Know the charges against them • A lawyer • Face the accuser • A speedy public trial • A jury that doesn’t take sides

7 th Amendment: Civil Cases • You have the right to sue for damages in non -criminal cases as long as the damages amount to more than $20

8 th Amendment: No Excessive Bail or Cruel and Unusual Punishment • Bail (money paid to release a person accused of a crime from jail) cannot be unreasonably high unless… • the court thinks the defendant will run or is a great threat • No cruel and unusual punishment= no torture

9 th Amendment: Rights Retained by the People • The fact that only some of your rights are listed in the bill of rights does not mean that you do not have other rights

10 th Amendment: Powers not Listed • The U. S. government only has the rights and powers specifically listed in the constitution • All other rights and powers belong to the states and the people

More Amendments • XIII: (13 th) Ended slavery in 1865 • XV: (15 th) Gave all races the right to vote in 1870 • XVIII: (18 th) Made alcoholic beverages illegal in 1919 • XIX: (19 th) Gave women the right to vote in 1920 • XXI: (21 st) Ended the 18 th amendment in 1933

More Amendments • XXII: (22 nd) The president can only serve two terms in 1951 • XXVI: (26 th) Lowered the voting age to 18 in 1971