Semester 1 Unit 1: The Foundations of America

Notes 2: The Bill of Rights

Amendment / What do you think it means? / Final Definition
1 / Freedoms of: Speech, Press, Religion, Peaceful Assembly, and Petition
2 / Right to bear arms
·  Original purpose was for a “well regulated militia”
3 / Government can not quarter (house) soldiers in private homes during peace time.
During war, quartering is allowed if Congress votes on a special law directing it.
4 / Protects you from “unreasonable” searches and seizures.
Warrants require probable cause and must specifically tell what will be searched.
5 / Major points:
·  You cannot be tried for the same crime twice
·  You don’t have to testify against yourself “plead the 5th”
·  The government can’t take your private property without just compensation
6 / In criminal cases you have the right to:
·  Speedy and public trials
·  Trial by Jury in the district/state where the crime was committed
·  Be told of the charges
·  Have witnesses at your trial
·  Have a lawyer represent you
7 / If the value of the crime exceeds $20 – you have the right to trial by jury
8 / No excessive bail
No cruel or unusual punishments (the punishment needs to fit the crime)
9 / If the Constitution does not mention a specific right, that right can not be denied to the people
·  Example: The Constitution does not talk about your right to have an iPod, but you still have the right to one
10 / If the Constitution does not delegate a law to the national government OR deny a law to the states , then states have the rights to that law.
·  Example: the death penalty is decided by each state

Modern US History Unit 1 Page 4