1. Bill of Rights

2. The Bill of Rights
The purpose of the Bill of Rights is to limit the power of the Federal government while protecting the rights of the people and states.
The BOR provides people Civil Liberties-
freedoms we have without government interference

3. Having Civil Liberties doesn’t mean we can break the law-
‘Your rights end where someone else’s begin’
What does this mean?
Your rights are balanced against the good of the community (common good)

4. 1st Amendment The Five Freedoms Religion Assembly Press Petition
Speech

5. Freedom of Religion Government can’t… Limits:
Establish a national religion
Deny you the ability to practice your religion
Limits:
Can’t hurt anyone
Can’t break the law in practicing your religion

6. Freedom of Assembly
Allows us to peacefully meet as a group for any reason
We can join any group we want ex. We can join any group we want: church, boy scouts, political parties
Limits:
Can’t
Trespass
riot

7. Petition
Allows us the right to complain about or protest the government
This allows us to express our views about the government
Limits
Can’t make threats against the government
Trespass
Become violent (riot)

8. Freedom of Press Allows us to publish news/information
The ability to access and read news
Limits:
Can’t knowingly write lies about someone (libel)
Can’t knowingly publish information that would hurt national security.

9. Freedom of Speech
Allows us to say what we want without fear of punishment from the government
This includes “symbolic speech”
Limits:
Can’t:
Create a dangerous or violent situation
(ex. can’t yell FIRE in a crowded theater)
Knowingly speak lies about someone (slander)

10. Freedom of Speech
Obscene Material: Is the material inappropriate for children or adults to see in public?
Schools, employers, and PARENTS can limit speech
Endanger National Security

11. 5th Amendment
No citizen can be denied the right to life, liberty, or property without “DUE PROCESS” of law or a grand jury in a capital case
Cannot self-incriminate, or be forced to testify against yourself
“Pleading the Fifth”
Today police must give “Miranda warning” to people before they are arrested

12. 5th Amendment Contd.
Cannot be retried of a crime you were found innocent of
Double jeopardy
Limits the government’s power of “EMINENT DOMAIN” (the right of the government to take private property).
The government must pay what your property is worth.
“Property Rights”

13. 6th Amendment Right to a speedy and public trial
jury
Right to a speedy and public trial
Be informed of nature of the crime
Right to an attorney

14. 7th Amendment The right to a trial by jury in civil cases over $20
Civil Cases: Lawsuits that involve disagreements between people, not crimes

15. 8th Amendment Judge can’t set excessive (large) bail or fines
No “cruel and unusual punishment”

16. 2nd Amendment
The right to bear arms (own a weapon)

17. 3rd Amendment May not force citizens to house troops in their homes
Reaction to the Quartering Act prior to the American Revolution

18. 4th Amendment
Protects Americans from unlawful searches and seizures of home or property
Law enforcement can search your property if they have probable cause and a search warrant

19. 9th Amendment
People have rights not listed specifically in the previous amendments
Example: You have the right to get married or fly on a plane

20. 10th Amendment
The states have rights and powers not specifically listed in Constitution
Example: States can regulate education, marriage, and the death penalty
Purpose is to limit the power of the President and Congress

21. Match the right with the amendment:
______Did you find a right not listed in the Constitution? It still belongs to the people!
______Citizens can keep and bear arms.
______If a power isn’t given to the federal government, it goes to the states or the people.
______You don’t have to house soldiers in your home during peacetime. 9 2 10 3