Amendments and the Bill of Rights Chapter 5 Section 3 (Part 2)

Ratification Ends 9 of 13 states needed to approve or ratify the Constitution Delaware became the first to ratify in December 1787 and by June 1788 9 states had ratified the Constitution. Many Americans opposed the Constitution, Virginia and New York did not ratify at first. Rhode Island wouldn’t ratify the Constitution until 1790 when Washington had already taken office.

The Constitution and the laws that Congress pass are meant to be the “Supreme Law of Land.” The Constitution made itself the final and supreme authority. States have some powers but the Constitution and the federal government have the final say.

The Bill of Rights The Constitution created a strong national government and weakened the power of states at the same time. The Antifederalists wanted written guarantees of their rights. While federalists would argue that the Constitution gave only limited powers to the national government, the antifederalists made adding a Bill of Rights a part of ratification.

Amendments Amendments are changes to the Constitution. Since 1788 9,000 have been proposed but only 27 have actually been passed. The amendment process is difficult which explains why there have been so few of them. 2/3s of both houses of Congress must approve an Amendment. Then 3/4s of state legislatures must approve the Amendment. Amendments

Bill of Rights Cont. The first 10 Amendments are called the Bill of Rights. These are the written guarantees that the antifederalists wanted from the new government. The first 8 Amendments are rights given to American citizens. 9 and 10 are limits on the power of the federal government.

The First Amendment Freedom of speech, freedom of press, and the right to organize (example: political rallies) Also guarantees freedom of religion

2nd and 3rd Amendments 2nd Amendment guarantees Americans the right to bear arms The 3rd Amendment bans quartering of troops in private homes during peacetime

Amendments 4-8 These are related to Americans getting a fair trial. 4th: Freedom from unreasonable search and seizure (Example: police need a warrant to search your house) 5th: Rights of accused persons (you cannot incriminate yourself) 6th: Right to a speedy and fair trial 7th: Trial by jury (a jury made up of citizens) 8th: limits on fines and punishments (bans cruel and unusual punishments) (limits on bail)

9th and 10th Amendments 9th Amendment: Americans rights are not limited to those mentioned in the Constitution. (Example: right to get married, or the right to choose your own job) (Women, Blacks, and Native Americans left out) 10th Amendment: the people and the states have all powers not given to the national government.