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Chapter 10 The Bill of Rights

10.1 Introduction
Massachusetts was strongly opposed to ratifying the Constitution because it said nothing of the rights of the people. To encourage ratification, J. Hancock promised that the first thing Congress would do was add a Bill of Rights.

John Hancock

10.2 How Was the Bill of Rights Created?


How Was It Ratified by the States? Initially, many people thought it was useless, unnecessary, and wouldnt really protect people from the government. Ratified 10 of 12 amendments.

10.3 Whats the First Amendment?

What Are the Rights? Freedoms of: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. What can you do if these rights are violated? If these are violated, a person may challenge the government in court. The courts protect your rights If the case goes to the Supreme Court, justices will vote. 1 justice will write a majority opinion, and 1 may write a minority opinion.

Whats the Right to Worship Freely?


Is there an official religion of the U.S.? 1. No official religion of the U.S. Separation of church and state. Are you free to do whatever you want in the name of religion? 2. People can believe whatever they want about religion. However, not free to do whatever you want in the name of religion.

Whats Free Speech and Free Press?


Freedom of press allows for free-flow of ideas and information; without it, a democratic self-government would be impossible. Cant print false information or info. that may be helpful to an enemy. Serves as a check on the governments power. Can you say whatever you want? Freedom of speech is limited; i.e. speech that endangers public safety. Freedom of speech includes symbolic speech.

What about burning draft cards?

Waving a red flag in 1931?

What about in high school?

What about burning the flag?

Whats the Right to Assemble and Petition?


1. The right to peaceably assemble: use public property for meetings and demonstrations (i.e. parades, protests, political rallies). 2. Petition the government: means you can appeal to the government if youre unhappy about something or some policy.

10.4 What Are Citizen Protections?

2nd Amendment: The Right to Bear Arms After winning independence, Americans preferred to defend themselves with state militias. Why? They were fearful of standing armies. In order to do this, citizens required the right to own guns.

Whats the 3rd Amendment? Quartering Troops in Home


Before the Revolution, Britain forced citizens to house soldiers. 3rd Amendment gives citizens the right to refuse this.

Whats the 4th Amendment? Searches and Seizures


Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures (forcibly taking control of people or property). What do you need in order to search someone? Need a good reason and a warrant issued by a judge to search person or property.

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