The Bill of Rights

Chapter 4

The First Amendment

Section 1

First Amendment Freedoms

The Bill of Rights protects our civil liberties the freedoms we have to think an act without government interference or fear of unfair treatment.

Freedom of Religion Intolerance of different beliefs in their homelands

led mahy colonists to come to America in the first place.

1st Amendment prohibits Congress from establishing an official religion in the United States.

The government may not favor one religion over another.

Freedom of Speech In some countries, people are jailed for criticizing

the government or voicing unpopular ideas. As interpreted by the Constitution, free speech

can include internet communication, art, music, or even clothing.

Freedom of the Press The government cannot practice censorship ban

printed materials or films merely because they contian alarming or offensive ideas.

Freedom of Assembly This protects our rights to gather in groups for

any reason, so long as the assemblies are peaceful.

Also includes our right to form and join social clubs, politicla parties, labor unions, and other organizations

Freedom to Petition Petition a formal request. This can be done by writing political officials.

Limits to First Amendment Freedoms

You do not have the freedom to provoke a riot or other violent behavior.

Citizens should use their civil liberties responsibly. You may campaign for causes, but you may not disturb

your neighbors with blaring loudspeaker broadcasts. You may criticize government officials, but you may not

spread lies that harm a person’s reputation Slander spreading lies Libel spreading lies in print. The First Amendment was not passed to allow Americans

to do whatever they pleased. The rights of one individual must be balanced with the

rights of another.

Other Guarantees in the

Bill of RightsSection 2

Rights of Those Accused of Crimes

Fourth Amendments Protects “against unreasonable searches and

seizures” Search warrant a court order allowing law

enforcement officers to search a suspect’s home or business and take specific items as evidence.

A judge must be convinced that a search will turn up evidence of criminal activity.

Fifth Amendment No one can be put on trial fro a serious federal

crime without an indictment a formal charge by a group of citizens called a grand jury, who review the evidence against the accused.

An indictment simply indicates the grand jury’s belief that an individual may have committed a crime.

Double jeopardy a person accused of a crime and judged not guilty may not be put on trial again for the same crime.

Due process following established legal procedures.

Eminent domain the right of the government to take private protperty

Sixth Amendment Gives additional due process rights to people

accused of crimes Requires they be told the exact nature of the

charges against them. Speedy trial Right to call witnesses Right to a lawyer

Eighth Amendment Bail a sum of money used as a security deposit 8th Amendment forbids “excessive” bail Cruel and unusual punishment

Protecting Other Rights

Second Amendment The courts have generally ruled that the

government can pass laws to control, but not prevent, the possession of weapons

Third Amendment Makes it unlikely that any Americans will ever be

forced to shelter the military again. This will not happen in peacetime without the

permission of the homeowner During war time, this cannot happen without

authorization of Congress.

Seventh Amendment Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases if

the amount of money involved is more than $20. This amendment does not require a jury trial.

Ninth Amendment Makes it clear that citizens have rights beyond

what is put in the Bill of Rights. Ex. The right to privacy

Tenth Amendment The Constitution remained silent on the issue of

slavery. Manumission the voluntary freeing of enslaved

person, especially those who had fought in the Revolution.

Under the 10th, any powers the Constitution does not specifically give to the national government are reserved to the states or the people.

Extending the Bill of Rights

Section 3

Civil War Amendments 13th officially outlawed slavery in the United

States. 14th 1868 defined a United States citizen as

anyone “born or naturalized in the United States”o Also required states to give all citizens equal protection

under the law.o Prevented states from interfering with the “privileges or

immunities of citizens of the United States” 15th no state may take away a person’s voting

rights on the basis of race, color, or previous enslavement.o Suffrage the right to vote.

Other Amendments 17th allow citizens to elect their senators

directly. 19th the Constitution never denied women the

right to vote, and this was left up to the states initially.o 1869 Wyoming permitted women to vote

23rd

24th

26th

The Civil Rights Struggle

Section 4

Background to the Struggle

Discrimination unfair treatment based on prejudice against a certain group of people

Segregation social separation of the races Civil rights the rights of full citizenship and

equality under the law 1909 NAACP (National Association for the

Advancement of Colored People) 1910 National Urban League 1954 Brown v. Board Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ongoing Challenges 1970s Affirmative Action programs to try to

make up for past discrimination. Racial profiling being singled out as suspects

because of the way they look.

BellRinger for 2-4-13 Come up with three questions that could possibly

be on the unit test. Look back at your notes and textbook.

The Citizen and the Community

Chapter 5

The Duties and Responsibilities of

CitizenshipSection 1

A Citizen’s Legal Duties

Responsibilities things we should do, they are obligations that we fulfill voluntarily.

Duties things that we must doo Obey Lawso Pay Taxeso Defend the Nationo Serve in Courto Attend School

Civic Responsibilities Be Informed Speak Up and Vote Respect Other’s Rights Respect Diversity

o Tolerance respecting and accepting others, regardless of their beliefs, practices, or differences.

Contribute to the Common Good.

Volunteering in Your Community

Section 2

The Need for Citizen’s Involvement

Community a group of people who share the same interests and concerns.

Bureaucracies complex systems with many departments, many rules and many people in the chain of command.

Welfare the health, prosperity, and happiness of all members of the community.

Donating Time and Money

Volunteerism the practice of offering your time and services to others without payment.

Volunteers in Action Charitable Organizations School-Based Programs National Service Programs Volunteering Has Benefits