THE BILL OF RIGHTS Social Studies Constitution Alyssa

THE BILL OF RIGHTS Social Studies Constitution Alyssa, Andrew, Katelyn March 7, 2013

Background As the Constitution went for state ratification in late 1787, seven states, including New York and Virginia, demanding for the addition of a Bill of Rights to clearly outline common rights of US citizens. � In response to this desire, James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights, also known as the First Ten Amendments, in 1789. � By 1791, all states had ratified these amendments, Virginia being the last state to approve, signaling their addition to the US Constitution. �

Amendment 1: Religious and Political Freedom � Includes: Congress cannot take away freedom of religion, press, speech, petition, and assembly. A national or institutionalized religion cannot be regulated in the United States. � Today: The United States is filled with numerous diverse religious affiliations and political views. Citizens can speak and print what they feel without punishment.

Amendment 2: Right to Bear Arms � Includes: Citizens can choose to carry a weapon or gun without punishment under the law. � Today: This amendment has caused much controversy in regard to public safety with the freedom to carry guns after the Sandy Hook and Christopher Dorner incidents.

Amendment 3: Quartering Troops Includes: Both in time or war or peace, Soldiers cannot be housed in a citizen’s home without the consent of the home owner. � Today: Though this amendment does not pertain to today’s society, it is still ensures that any intruders cannot barge into homes as a temporary or permanent resident. �

Amendment 4: Search and Seizure Includes: Citizens can protect their person belongings, including their homes, against search warrants and the taking, or seizing, of possessions. � Today: It was proclaimed by Congress that the searching of bags, purses, and backpacks when entering concerts, theme parks, or air planes, is not a violation of the 4 th amendment. �

Amendment 5: Rights of Accused Persons � Includes: All accused criminals will receive fair protection under the law, cannot be charged twice for the same offense and receive a death sentence, cannot use evidence against themselves, and cannot have their property seized. � Today: Criminals can be sentenced to the death penalty, or Death Row, based upon the seriousness and repetition of their crimes.

Amendment 6: Right to a Speedy, Public Trial � � Includes: All accused criminals will have a court trial in front of a fair jury near the time the crime was said to be committed to prove the accused ether innocent or guilty. Today: A man named Stephen Slevin was left in solitary confinement in a prison for 2 years. Because he was neglected for an extended period of time, he will receive $15. 5 million dollars in return for the unfair treatment.

Amendment 7: Trial by Jury in Civil Cases Includes: Common citizens disputing against each other over money or other issues will be tried in front of a jury. � Today: Cases such as adoptions, divorces, trespassing, debt, and name changes are common example of civil cases. �

Amendment 8: Limits of Fines and Punishments Includes: Citizens cannot be hindered by absurd fines, bails, or punishments that are imposed without a legitimate reason. � Today: Much controversy as to whether or not the Death Penalty violates the 8 th amendment continues to be disputed. �

Amendment 9: Rights of People Includes: Other aspects of the Constitution cannot be used to deny or counter-act the rights of citizens. All citizens are entitled to their stated rights and two statement, whether in the Constitution or the list of 27 Amendments, cannot cancel each other out. � Today: The 8 th Amendment, Limits of Fines and Punishments, cannot be used to deny the power of the 11 th Amendment, Lawsuits Against States. �

Amendment 10: Powers of States and People Includes: The states and people are given the power to interpret and enforce any powers they are not denied under the US Constitution. Any powers not held by the National US Government under the Constitution are reserved for the states. � Today: Individual states hold the power to elect city majors and governors and can regulate state taxes. �

Video Link �http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=KINGYf 7 pd. JE

Quiz � 1) Which Amendment guaranteed accused criminals the right to fairly defend themselves in court? � 2) Who wrote the Bill of Rights? In what year? � 3) What 5 freedoms are granted to US Citizens under the First Amendment?

Answers 1) The 6 th Amendment (Right to a Speedy, Public Trial) 2) James Madison, 1789 3) Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition