Bill of Rights
a list of citizens' rights which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution
amendment process
the way in which changes are added to the Constitution
national convention
assembly
it was an important step toward gaining support for the new government
Why is having a formal amendment process important?
Madison wanted the rights placed within the articles of the Constitution to link them to limits already placed on the government. Congress voted to attach the list of the Bill of Rights at the end because they did not want to give them the same importance
Why was there a debate over where to place the Bill of Rights in the Constitution?
it protects citizens from the abuse of power by limiting government's ability to interfere with a citizen's property
How do the amendments that protect against the abuse of power suggest Americans' right to privacy?
due process of law
a process by which the government must treat accused persons fairly according to rules established by law
double jeopardy
being placed on trial twice for the same crime
It is important that all people be treated fair and all people be informed of his rights
Why is it important that all people be allowed due process of law?
The Ninth and Tenth amendments declares the rights not mentioned in the Constitution belong to the people and to the states. This keeps the power balanced.
How might the Ninth and Tenth amendments have helped form a lasting Constitution?
eminent domain
the power to take private property for public use
freedom of the press
the right to publish newspapers, magazines, and other materials without governmental restriction
freedom of speech
the right to express one's opinions publicly
case studies
descriptions of situations or conflicts, the issues involved, and the decisions made.
An example would be the Skokie case where members of the American Nazi Party wanted to march through Skokie, Illinois and the Jewish people in the town were opposed to this demonstration.
Describe a conflict involving citizens' rights in which neither party is clearly right or wrong.
armbands, tee shirts, bumper stickers, signs, and flags
What are some other symbols that are protected by the First Amendment?
The Skokie case proved the need for courts to interpret citizens' rights because the First Amendment protects both popular and unpopular beliefs.
How did the Skokie case prove the need for courts to interpret citizens' rights?
by respecting one another's rights, we help guarantee that the Bill of Rights survive
What are some ways that you can help protect and uphold the rights of others around you?