Scenarios
Kennedy Elementary School is a public school, so it surprised everyone when the principal, Mrs. Salinas, decided that all students could not have a holiday from school for the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
What right is being violated and what Amendment is it under?
Freedom of Religion; Amendment 1
Which of the following is a form of speech protected by the First Amendment?
a. telling lies about someone
b. criticizing the government
c. remaining silent when arrested
d. printing lies about someone
b. criticizing the government
Freedom of speech/Freedom to petition
The government cannot tell people in the news media what they can or cannot report on AND they cannot prevent citizens from organizing and holding civic meetings. This is protected by the ______ Amendment
First Amendment
Define Suffrage
Suffrage - the right to vote
Gina has lived in her home for 26 years. During that time the city has tripled in population, traffic is a mess, and there just are not enough roads. Tuesday morning the sheriff came to her house and told her that she had to move because a new road was going to be built right through her house. When she complains that she has lived there for so long and doesn't want to move, she is told, "Too bad, you have 30 days to get out."
What power is being described and what Amendment is it under?
100 BONUS POINTS: Is there anything Unconstitutional in this scenario? If so, what?
Eminent Domain; Amendment Five
BONUS - No fair compensation for property
What are the Five Freedoms protected by the 1st Amendment?
Religion, Assemble, Petition, Press, Speech
What is the significance of the U.S. Supreme Court opinion that words creating a “clear and present danger” are not protected by the First Amendment?
The Constitution limits individual rights
Define amendment & ratify
Amendment - change or addition to the constitution or other law
Ratify - to approve
On Saturday night, David was coming out of a store and the police arrested him for stealing. He said he didn't do anything, but the police were convinced that they had the right person. When he told them that he wanted a lawyer, one of the policemen said, "You don't need a lawyer, I know that you're guilty. We're locking you up and throwing away the key, bucko!"
What right is being violated and what Amendment is it under?
Right to legal counsel; Amendment 6
The Ninth Amendment states that rights not listed in the Constitution belong to the _______________.
the People
"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
The right to remain silent is protected by Amendment ________. Protection against _______ ________________
Amendment Five; Self Incrimination
What are two laws that were passed which prohibited (tried to stop) people of all races from voting? How did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 help prevent these laws from being passed?
Poll Tax - a fee used to prevent African Americans from voting
Literacy Tests - a written test that was almost impossible to pass, used to prevent African Americans from voting
Voting rights Act of 1965 - Prohibited governments from passing laws designed to prevent all races from voting.
Elias wrote a nice lengthy article for the Dukeville Daily Tabloid describing the changes students would like to see at Dukesville High School. The principal tried to stop Elias’s article from being published in the local Newspaper.
What right is being violated and what Amendment is it under?
Freedom of Press; Amendment 1
How do the Ninth and Tenth amendments limit the power of the federal government?
10th Amendment - By reserving rights not granted to the federal government for the states and people (Reserved Powers)
What was the impact of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendment on African Americans in the U.S.?
13th amendment - Abolished slavery and African Americans gained freedom
14th amendment - defined citizenship and gave African Americans Citizenship
15th amendment - Prohibited denying the right to vote base on race or former servitude (if you used to be a slave); African Americans Could now Vote
Define Double Jeopardy, Eminent Domain, Due Process, and the Pleading the Fifth
BONUS 100 POINTS: What amendment are these all found under?
Double Jeopardy - Cannot be charged for the same crime twice if acquitted (found not guilty) of a crime
Eminent Domain - The right of the government to take private property for public use, but requires people be paid fairly for it.
Due Process - the right of the people accused of crimes to have laws that treat them fairly
Pleading the Fifth - refuse to testify under oath in a court if the answers could be used against them (remain silent)
Stephanie was arrested, tried, and convicted of making threats and attempting to bribe government officials. There was no doubt that she was guilty and a jury convicted her on all charges. A Federal Judge judge said, "I can send you to prison but prison is too good for you. You will be sent to an internment camp where you will be forced to work day and night"
What right is being violated and what Amendment is it under?
Amendment 8 - prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments.
What are two ways in which the Fifth Amendment secures fair, legal treatment for citizens? by protecting them from...
Double Jeopardy or Self-incrimination
What is the first step and second to the amendment process and how exactly can the constitution be amended?
Step 1: Propose an amendment (ask to change the constitution)
- 2/3 of both houses of Congress vote to amend constitution OR 2/3 of all states petition Congress for a Constitutional Convention
Step 2: Ratify the amendment (get the change approved)
- 3/4 of the states vote to approve the amendment OR 3/4 of the special Constitutional Conventions vote to approve the amendment
Step 1 + Step 2 = New Amendment to the Constitution
Define Federalism, Delegated Powers, Concurrent Powers, and Reserved Powers
300 BONUS POINTS: name example each for Delegated powers, Concurrent Powers, and Reserved Powers.
Federalism - Combining a central or "federal" (national) government with a regional government (State or local) and separating their powers.
Delegated Powers - Given only to the national government
BONUS: power to raise and support an Army & Navy, declare war and conduct foreign policy, regulate trade between states & internationally.
Concurrent Powers - Shared by the federal (national) and state governments
BONUS: power to levy (collect) taxes, establish courts, and borrow money
Reserved Powers - Given only to the States
BONUS: power to establish local governments and regulate business within the state.