Unit II - The Constitution: the Amendments

1
Unit II - The Constitution the Amendments

• How does the Constitution protect you from the
  government?

2
Structure of the Document

• Three Parts
• The Preamble introduction
• The Body seven articles.
• The Amendments changes to the document, 27 in
  all.

3
The Bill of Rights

• First ten Amendments to the constitution.
• Ratified together in 1791
• During debate over the Constitution, two groups
  Federalists the Anti-Federalists emerge, the
  Anti-Feds demand receive a B.O.R which are the
  cornerstone of our civil liberties.

4
Amendment I five freedoms

• Religious Clauses - Government cannot establish a
  religion or prohibit the free exercise of
  religion.
• Nor infringe free speech, free press, free
  assembly petition.

5
Amendment II - Armed citizens

• To maintain a Militia, the Rights of the citizens
  to keep bear arms shall not be infringed.
• (Own carry weapons).

6
Amendment III

• No quartering of soldiers in your home.

7
Amendment IV- Search Seizures

• Guarantees no unreasonable search seizures
  w/out a warrant or probable cause (Places
  limits on Govt. intrusion).

8
Amendment V- Rights of the accused

• Guarantees Due process rights
• The Government cannot hold you w/out indictment
  by a grand jury.
• No self incrimination (The right to remain
  silent)
• No double jeopardy (Cannot be tried for the
  same crime twice)
• Eminent Domain- Govt. cannot take your property
  w/out just compensation.

9
Amendment VI Rights at trial

• Right to a speedy, public fair trial
  Confront witnesses testifying against you free
  lawyer.

10
Amendment VII Civil Cases

• Civil cases (People suing people or companies)
  for over 20 must be heard by a jury Govt. is
  impartial.

11
Amendment VIII- Punishment

• No excessive bail no cruel or unusual
  punishment.

12
Amendment IX- Unlisted Rights

• Ensures that Citizens retain rights that are not
  listed (un-enumerated) in the Bill of Rights.

13
Amendment X States Rights

• Federalism Reserves certain powers to the
  States Governments (State Rights)

14
The Civil War Amendments

• 3 Amendments ratified separately following the
  Civil War
• XIII - Abolishes slavery forever
• XIV - Guarantees due process equal protection
  under the law for all citizens.
• XV. States cannot deny voting rights to anyone
  based on race.