Introduction
After the delegates (persons authorized to represent others) of the new United States wrote the Constitution, they had to get the thirteen states to agree to it. When the constitution was sent to congress for ratification not all states agreed. Some states wanted to add some specific rights for individual people. So in 1791 the United States added ten new rights or amendments to the Constitution. The amendments were created to protect the freedom of individuals. The American people feared their freedom would be weakened or threatened by a new Constitution and a strong Federal government (power that is shared between the national and state (local) governments). These are called the Bill of Rights. Once the constitution was ratified it set the stage for our federal government. Powers of the states were between the federal (or national) government and the states (local government). All 50 states were granted the right to control certain things within their state borders, as long as they did not interfere with the rights of other states or the nation as a whole.
Here are the Bill of Rights-the 10 amendments;
The Bill of Rights - 1791
Amendment 1
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.
Amendment 2
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment 3
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment 4
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment 5
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.
Amendment 6
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment 7
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment 8
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment 9
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment 10
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Task
A Change is to come...
It has been decided that Canada be part of the United States to form a new country called the New United States. The representatives of the newly formed country need to create a new Bill of Rights.
What you will do...
You will create a new bill of rights. After reviewing the current 10 amedments you will need to choose 6 out of the 10 to keep as your new Bill of Rights. You will also be required to give valid reason as to why these 6 were the ones you chose.
Process
Your Steps:
1. You will already have listened to and watched a review of the Bill of Rights (Which are listed below for you if needed).
2. You will be put into groups of 3-4 students and create a group name.
3. You will be given a handout of the Bill of Rights and worksheet pertaining to the Bill of Rights. Put the group name on paper and all individual names under your group name.
5. You will then discuss what amendments from the Bill of Rights you are going to choose.
6. Write down each amendment chosen (6) and provide explanations why you chose them.
7. Then complete the work sheet. *See Note*
http://www.csun.edu/~asr15199/constitution/rightsworksheet.pdf
8. 60 minutes of class time will be given for this activity and worksheet.
9. Each member of the group will be expected to explain their amendment choices.
Note:
The Bill of Rights worksheet can be completed in your group or individually. It's your choice.
Here are the videos we watched in class for your reference:
Bill of Rights Part 1
[video:http://youtu.be/vmLosRzNRqA width:560 height:315 align:center]
Bill of Rights Part 2
[video:http://youtu.be/fndm9kPEZhs width:560 height:315 align:center]
Other Resources:
http://constitutioncenter.org/constitution?link=003&const=00_pre_00
Evaluation
Learning the Bill of Rights Evaluating Rubric
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
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|
Group Project |
Did not participate in group discussions & selection of amendments. |
Contributed minimally to group discussion & selection of amendments. |
Participated meaningfully in group discussion and selection of amendments. |
Participated in a meaningful discussion and used critical thinking and means to convince group members. |
%75 |
|
Worksheet |
Did not turn in |
Turned it in |
%25 |
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Total Score: %100 |
Conclusion
Remember as you live your life how important it is that we have the Bill of Rights. Right now your parents have some control over the electronic games you may play, your Facebook page, and who you hang out with. Once you turn 18 years old those decisions are all up to you. If we did not have the Bill of Rights all those decisions would be the government’s decision. Can you imagine if you were told when and what to eat, when you could play outside and where you could go and not go (not from your parents)? What kind of world would this be if it were that way? Think about it.
From your research on the Bill of Rights I hope that you have learned what is most important and that our rules and laws change as our world and society change. It was developed this way. Amendments are being created and will continue to be created to support our world’s changes.
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzAJyK0ovo8#t=18 width:420 height:315 align:center]
Credits
Teacher Page
Lesson Plan
Unit of Study: The Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution
Instructional Goal: Students will explore and justify the Bill of Rights significance in today's society for the U.S.A. by working through the current Bill of Rights document.
Objectives: To provide an understanding of the fundamental rights afforded to Americans under the U.S. Constitution. Independent and/or extended group work includes a worksheet.
California Content Standards Addressed in Web Quest:
8.2 Students analyze the political principles underlying the U.S. Constitution and
compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government.
Social Science Content Standard 8.2.6. Enumerate the powers of government set forth in the Constitution and the fundamental liberties ensured by the Bill of Rights.
Lesson Objectives:
• Students will demonstrate how to participate in discussion and/or debate within their group.
• Students will demonstrate how to persuade others to their point of view.
• Students will lead a convince others to follow their reasons for their choices.
• Students will listen to their classmates’ choices and reasons.
• Students will demonstrate the value of the Bill of Rights
Instructional Procedures:
1. Place objectives on board for students to see. Leave up for duration of assignment for reference.
2. The students will have already explored the WebQuest titled “Learning the Bill of Rights”
3. The teacher will do a review of the Bill of Rights and each amendment via lecture and you tube videos (which are under the tasks tab in this WebQuest).
4. The teacher will break students into groups (Place accordingly within skill level).
5. The teacher will hand out two sheets. One that will contain the printed Bill of Rights for reference and as worksheet that students will complete individually or in their group after Bill of Rights project is complete. Worksheet is here:
http://www.csun.edu/~asr15199/constitution/rightsworksheet.pdf
6. The teacher will explain the scenario. Canada and United States have formed a new country called the New United States of North America. They are forming a new Constitution and only six (6) Amendments in the Bill of Rights are allowed in the new Bill of Rights. Each group must choose six (6) of the Amendments they feel are important.
To say to students: "You can argue your point with your classmates and have to take a vote and compromise on what one’s are important. Try to convince and persuade your classmates to your point of view".
7. As the six (6) amendments are being chosen, you must write down why you think that those are the most important. You must give two (2) reasons for each one chosen.
8. Once completed the teacher will select a group to respond to their choices and reasons. This will be completed by each group.
9. After presentations, students can choose to work individually or in their assigned groups to complete the worksheet handed out earlier.
Materials
*SmartBoard (for videos, and notes as lecture is given).
*Bill of Rights Hand out
*Individual/Group Fill in the blank/short answer worksheet
Teacher Closure: You will end by asking students what they think about the Bill of Rights. Do they see a reason for it now? Has their opinions changed about the way our constitution is? Etc... Get their minds thinking again about what they just learned in a small short closing discussion.