1. The Bill of Rights
• The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution
• They were written by the founding fathers and then
ratified (approved) by the states in 1791.
2. Thomas Jefferson (who pretty
much distrusted government
power) told James Madison
that the Constitution could not
be ratified without a Bill of
Rights added to it!
Madison
Jefferson
So guess who was to be
protected by the Bill of
Rights?
All Americans! (From the possibility of abusive powers of government)
3. The 1st Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the
right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
4. Do we all have totally free speech without consequences?
What are some restrictions to “free speech” in today’s
world?
Is there totally free speech on the internet/social media?
5. The 2nd Amendment
Does this mean you
can own any
weapon you want?
What restrictions
may government
put on gun
ownership?
6. The 3rd Amendment
Why do you think the
founding fathers made
this the 3rd Amendment
– perhaps 3rd on the list
of important things to
do?
7. The 4th Amendment
But can school
officials search your
phone at school?
10. The 7th Amendment
But jury trials are rare!
Cases are usually settled
out-of-court.
11. The 8th Amendment
Can you think of
any examples of
cruel and unusual
punishment?
Death Penalty?
12. The 9th Amendment
There are other rights to individuals that may exist even
though they are not already listed. The 9th, however, does
NOT provide more rights to government.
