1. Constitution Day September 17 th Advisory September 17, 2015

2. What is the US Constitution? Signed on Sept 17 th, 1787. Establishes America’s national government and fundamental laws. Bill of Rights (guarantees basic individual protections) was added in 1791. To date there have been 27 constitutional amendments.

3. Bill of Rights I. Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition II. Right to keep and bear arms III. Quartering of soldiers IV. Right of search and seizure regulated V. Rights in criminal cases VI. Right to fair trial VII. Rights in civil cases VIII. Bail, fines, punishment IX. Rights retained by the People X. States’ rights http://www.ushistory.org/documents/amendments.htm

4. Interested in discussing democracy? There is a contest for a 3-5 minute essay recorded on a tape or CD. Topic – “My Vision For America” Open to students in grades 9-12 You could win prizes and scholarships and state winners get an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C in March.

5. Interested in discussing democracy? Visit the VFW website for more details and contest rules http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/ http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/ You can also download the contest application from the FBHS Advisory Web page GOOD LUCK!!