The Bill of RightsIntroduction

Name and Claim 1. Brainstorm with your shoulder partner

and name the rights you think you have as an American. (Composition Book)

2. Compare your list to those actually listed in the Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights refers to the 1st 10

amendments to the Constitution Composed by James Madison "there is no question that it was Madison's

personal prestige and his dogged persistence that saw the amendments through the Congress. There might have been a federal Constitution without Madison but certainly no Bill of Rights.“ Gordon Woods

Effective December 15, 1791

Activity

Which 5 are most important and Why?

Worksheet

Reflection (Composition Book) 1. Respond in a strong paragraph or two

to this quote: Liberty lies in the hearts of men and

women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it. Judge Learned Hand

Reflection They who can give up essential

liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. B. Franklin

In 2-3 paragraphs respond to and reflect upon Franklin’s words in light of the Bill of Rights.

Activity “Rights: How Far Should They Go?” Complete the survey as honestly as

possible Discussion

Homework The Bill of Rights focusses on individual

rights. If we needed an additional amendment to

the Bill of Rights, what would it be? ERA? Marriage? Immigration? Human Life? Some other social issue?

Compose one additional right you feel needs to be included today. Due December 11, Wednesday,

“Congress shall make no law….”