1. What are the basic rights and freedoms of the American people?
The Bill of Rights
What are the basic rights and freedoms of the American people?

2. 15.1 Introduction
Americans wanted the Constitution to include a list of rights for citizens to respect
Like a shield
5th and 6th Amendments talk about rights for people accused of a crime
5th fair trial by a jury
6th getting a lawyer

3. 15.2 The Need for a Bill of Rights
Constitution
Had to be ratified by at least 9 states
Votes were close in some states
Many were afraid it made the central government too powerful
Supporters gained votes by publishing essays
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay
Explained why they should have a central government
Some suggested adding a bill of rights
List of rights the government couldn’t take away
By July 1788, 9 states ratified the bill

4. Congress had an important task to consider changes to the Constitution
Writers of the constitution included a way to add amendments
States sent Congress ideas
Madison sorted through and proposed the first 10 amendments (The Bill of Rights)
On September 25, 1789 Congress approved
The amendments got ratified by the states
Became part of the Constitution

5. 15.3 The First Amendment
Congress can’t take away freedom of religion, speech, or press
Freedom of religion
People left England because the king forced his religion on them
Some colonies demanded people join one church
We worship in many ways
Because of the amendment public schools cannot make students say prayers at school

6. Freedom of speech Freedom of the press
Right to have an opinion - Martin Luther King Jr. could have been put in jail for what he said without this amendment
Has limits
Cannot use right to hurt others or break the law
Freedom of the press
Right to report news and give opinions in newspapers, etc.
British put people in jail for printing complaints about the British in newspapers, etc.
Does not give freedom to write lies about someone
Wanted this because of people going to jail for criticizing laws

7. 15.4 The Second Amendment
Each state needs an army of citizens (militia)
Government cannot take away the right to have a gun
In 1789, they wanted to defend themselves, as well as to hunt for food and protect their family
No police
Now people disagree whether everyone should be allowed to have any gun
Some say no because of shootings
Some say yes because the 2nd amendment doesn't allow it

8. 15.5 The Fourth Amendment
Doesn’t allow unreasonable searches and taking away property by government officials
They cannot do these things without a reason
In 1789, Americans wanted to have a right to privacy and safety
British officials could take anything they wanted without a good reason
Searches require warrants
Must have a good reason and they have to convince a judge that they will probably find evidence
Can only search items that are listed in the warrant
If search violates the amendment, any evidence cannot be used in court
Some reasonable searches don’t require a warrant

9. 15.6 The Fifth Amendment Protects Americans suspected of a crime
British also did this, but some courts in the colonies did not follow those laws
Wanted to make sure court treated everyone fairly
Protects people against double jeopardy
Can’t put someone on trial twice for the same crime
When jury finds a person not guilty, they cannot be charged for the same crime with a different jury
The government can ask for another trial if the jury couldn’t decide if they are guilty or not

10. 15.6 The Fifth Amendment
People do not have to say anything that can go against them in court
They can have a lawyer there when police ask questions
Police must tell citizens they have legal rights during arrest
Government can’t punish anyone without a fair trial

11. 15.7 The Sixth Amendment People have the right to a fair trial
Wanted to make sure a jury trial is fair
Makes sure trials are speedy and public
They cannot be in jail for a long time before the trial
Cannot be in secret
Accused can present witnesses and question witnesses who testified against them
Juries must be open-minded
The accused has the right to a lawyer
Government must provide a lawyer if the accused cannot get one

12. 15.8 The Eighth Amendment
Right to have a fair punishment when you break the law
Court could have people pay a fine
Fines shouldn’t be too high
Doesn’t allow high bail
Judge can refuse bail for someone accused in a murder
Forbids horrible and unusual punishments
People disagree about death penalties
Courts say the Eighth Amendment allows death penalty
Some states still don’t allow it

13. 15.9 Other Rights Protected by the Bill of Rights
Third Amendment says the government cannot make someone let soldiers live with them
Seventh Amendment protects the right to settle noncriminal cases with a jury trial
Ninth Amendment says Americans have rights like their job and where they live
Tenth Amendment talks about the limits of the government