The 1st Amendment
What does the Right to Peacefully Assemble mean?
People can gather publicly in groups as long as they are not violent and they do not encourage others to be violent.
When discussing the "right to bear arms," what does the word "arms" mean?
Firearms
In the context of the 4th amendment, what does the word "seize" mean?
Law enforcement takes a person's private property as evidence of a crime.
Describe what it means to have a "speedy" and "public" trail under the 6th amendment.
Speedy - starts ASAP after your arrest
Public - anyone can attend the trial and observe
People commonly debate about whether this type of punishment should be considered "cruel and unusual" under the 8th amendment.
Capital punishment (the death penalty)
What is a petition?
A written document suggesting that the government to make a change that is signed by many people who agree with the suggestion.
The Third Amendment protects citizens from having to allow these people be quartered in their homes.
Soldiers
What information is required in a legal warrant?
Where the search will happen and the items that law enforcement are searching for.
(A judge's signature is also required.)
What does the "right to counsel" mean?
You have the right to get assistance from a lawyer to help you defend yourself at trial, even if you can't afford to hire a lawyer.
Which rights are given to the individual states by the 10th amendment?
To determine any laws that are not covered in the Constitution
What does it mean for speech to "advocate the use of force"?
This means that the speech is encouraging someone to act violently. It is not protected under the First Amendment.
Which group of people were restricted from owning or possessing firearms under the Jim Crow Laws of the early 20th century?
People of color (specifically Black people)
In the context of the 4th amendment, what does the phrase "probable cause" mean?
The evidence that is required for law enforcement to obtain a search warrant.
What does it mean to "plead the 5th"?
This means that you are using your right to avoid self-incrimination by refusing to answer a question that might provide evidence against you.
What is the minimum amount of value required for a jury trial to be called under the 7th amendment?
$20
What does "freedom of religion" protect for U.S. citizens?
It protects people from having the government require that they practice a certain religion in any way.
Name two groups of people who were restricted from owning guns in the thirteen colonies.
Enslaved people, free people of color, indigenous people (natives), indentured servants, Catholics
Explain the "plain sight" exception to the 4th amendment.
Describe the concern that exists about being represented by a public defender.
Public defenders (lawyers provided to people who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer) are often given far too many cases to handle and very few resources/time to use.
Provide an example of a right that is guaranteed by the 9th amendment.
Answers could include: the right to vote, the right to liberty (freedom), the right to live, etc.
When discussing "freedom of the press," who or what is "the press"?
The press refers to journalists. This can include people who write for newspapers or magazines, produce new stories for television, or internet news sources.
Approximately how many million firearms are currently owned in the United States?
375 million
Describe a concern that people have about the "stop and frisk" exception to the 4th amendment.
Law enforcement can claim that they saw evidence (such as a gun in a pocket/waistband) even if they didn't and that claim allows them to search a person.
Recite the Miranda Warning.
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you.
Aside from cruel and unusual punishments, which other thing does the 8th amendment protect citizens from?
Excessive bail