1. The U.S. Bill of Rights

2. What is the Bill of Rights?
The First Ten Amendments of the U.S. Constitution
Protects the rights of the individual citizens and of the States against the Federal Government
Prevent the grievances with the British government from occurring in The USA (History repeating itself)

3. Why Was it Added?
The Southern States insisted on the Bill of Rights being added before they would ratify the Constitution.(Needed 2/3 for ratification)
All 13 colonies needed to ratify the constitution in order for it to be passed
Wanted to ensure that their rights would be protected

4. First Amendment Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press and Assembly
Freedom of Petition
Separation of Church and State
No longer treason to speak out against the government

5. Significance?
Colonies were founded on the ideals of freedom of Religion (Pilgrims, Puritans, ect.)
People are notified of what is going on around them and of their government’s actions
The people have more say and power
The government is for the people, therefore they should have the right to speak out against it

6. Second Amendment The Right to Bear Arms Well regulated Militia
Individuals have the right to own/ possess guns
Defense against corruption and poor government

7. Significance? Freedom of Choice Self-defense
Opposed British policy of Gun Limitation
Was nearly impossible for Protestants to possess guns

8. Third Amendment
Prevents the peacetime quartering of Soldiers in private homes without the owners consent

9. Significance?
Opposition to the British Quartering Act in Colonial America

10. Fourth Amendment Guards against unreasonable Search and Seizure
Police must have a warrant to search/ seize personal property

11. Significance? Right to Privacy “Life, Liberty and Property”
Wire tapping (?)

12. Fifth Amendment
A person on trial is innocent until proven guilty through due process of law, cannot be tried for the same crime twice, protected from testifying against themselves, and property cannot be taken without compensation.
The rights of the accused
“I plead the 5th”

13. Sixth Amendment
Guarantees a speedy trial, an impartial jury, that the accused can confront witnesses against them and that the accused is allowed to have a lawyer.
A jury of ones peers
Protect the rights of the
accused
Rights while on trial

14. Significance? Miranda Rights
“You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, you have the right to a lawyer, if you cannot afford one, you will be supplied one by the state…”

15. Seventh Amendment
Right to a Trial by jury, once a jury makes a decision, the facts cannot be re-examined by the Federal government
The decision of the people cannot be over-ruled by the government/court.
Rights of the accused

16. Eighth Amendment
No unreasonable bail or fines shall be set, and the people are protected against cruel and unusual punishments.
Torture (prisoners of war, criminals, ect.)
Punishment should fit the crime and the ability of the one being punished.
Rights of criminals

17. Significance?
Rich will not get away with more because it is easier for them to pay a bail
Death Penalty(?)

18. Ninth Amendment
Protection of Other Rights not listed in the Constitution/ Bill of Rights
Elastic clause
Just because a right is not listed in the Constitution/ Bill of Rights does not mean that it does not exist and therefore be violated.

19. Significance? Ties up lose ends
Protects people from future, unpredictable events

20. Tenth Amendment
Any power that is not given to the National Government automatically goes to the states
Ties up lose ends from unpredictable circumstances
Prevents the federal government from gaining too much power

21. Significance?
Reflects the fear of the National government from gaining too much power
Fear a king, dictator, ect.
Later… checks and balances
Bill of Rights Matching worksheet