The Constitution
What is a Constitution?
A written plan for a government that outlines the basic laws of a state, country, or organization.
What is an amendment?
A change to the Constitution
The government passed a new laws banning all chicken fingers in the U.S. Amy is outraged and decides to write a letter to the legislative branch expressing her anger.
Which amendment allows her to do this?
Amendment 1: Freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly, to let the government know if you disagree with its actions.
Amendment 2: Right to bear arms (weapons).
Amendment 3: Troops may not be quartered, housed, in homes during times of peace.
Amendment 4: No unreasonable search or seizures.
Amendment 5: A person cannot be prosecuted without a grand jury indictment, no double jeopardy, (not being tried twice for the same offense), do not have to testify against yourself, no loss of property, life, or Liberty without due process of law.
The 1st Amendment
What Branch of Government does the President control?
Executive Branch
What is the introduction of the Constitution called?
The preamble (We the people...)
Why are laws important?
They protect our rights, give us order, provide us with benefits (like safety), and give us responsibilities.
Which Amendment is the freedom to bear arms or carry weapons?
The 2nd Amendment
Maddie was arrested for stealing a cell phone and selling it to another classmate. When Maddie goes before the judge, she asked for a lawyer to help with her case. The judge told her it was just a cell phone and that she didn't need a lawyer.
Which of her amendments is being violated?
Amendment 1: Freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly, to let the government know if you disagree with its actions.
Amendment 2: Right to bear arms (weapons).
Amendment 3: Troops may not be quartered, housed, in homes during times of peace.
Amendment 4: No unreasonable search or seizures.
Amendment 5: A person cannot be prosecuted without a grand jury indictment, no double jeopardy, (not being tried twice for the same offense), do not have to testify against yourself, no loss of property, life, or Liberty without due process of law.
The 5th Amendment
What branch of Government does the Supreme court control?
The Judicial Branch
What are the first ten amendments of the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights
Who makes the laws?
The city, state, and national government.
Congress!
Which amendment states that you have the Freedom to only be tried once for the same crime (no double jeopardy)
The 5th Amendment
Crime is on the rise in Texas, so the Texas legislature has passed a law that bans all handguns in the state and requires that all shot guns or rifles must be kept unloaded and not within reach in your car.
Which amendment is being violated?
1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, & press
2nd Amendment: Freedom to bear arms
3rd Amendment: Freedom from being forced to house soldiers
4th Amendment: Freedom from an illegal search
5th Amendment: Freedom to only be tried once for the same crime (no double jeopardy)
6th Amendment: Freedom to have a trail by an impartial jury
7th Amendment: Freedom to take a money grievance to court
8th Amendment: Freedom from excessive fines or cruel punishment
9th Amendment: Freedom from having rights denied without a vote
10th Amendment: Freedom to know who holds the power
2nd amendment
What does the legislative branch do and who runs it?
Make the laws
Congress (Senate and House of Representatives)
Who is referred to as the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
Name 2 responsibilities we have as citizens
Pay taxes, serve on jury duty, own proper licenses for things, etc.
What does the First Amendment say?
The First Amendment focuses on the Freedoms that we as citizens have. Freedom of speech, religion, assembly, etc.
Tracy got caught stealing a bottle of shampoo from target. She was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. Which amendment does this violate?
1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, & press
2nd Amendment: Freedom to bear arms
3rd Amendment: Freedom from being forced to house soldiers
4th Amendment: Freedom from an illegal search
5th Amendment: Freedom to only be tried once for the same crime (no double jeopardy)
6th Amendment: Freedom to have a trail by an impartial jury
7th Amendment: Freedom to take a money grievance to court
8th Amendment: Freedom from excessive fines or cruel punishment
9th Amendment: Freedom from having rights denied without a vote
10th Amendment: Freedom to know who holds the power
What does the Judicial Branch do?
They analyze and interpret the laws.
Who are the only two Presidents to sign the Constitution?
George Washington and James Madison
Name one law that we have to follow as citizens.
Answers will vary
What are the 5 freedoms states in the first amendment?
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of the Press
Freedom of Assembly
Freedom to Petition
Paul got a really cool new toy for Christmas, it is a cute stuffed cat. He brings it to school to show it off to all of his friends. He puts it in his backpack after showing it off so that it stays safe. Jimmy was jealous of Pauls new gift and wanted to have it for himself. He searches through Pauls backpack without his permission and takes the stuffed cat out of Pauls backpack.
Which amendment is Jimmy violating?
1st Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, & press
2nd Amendment: Freedom to bear arms
3rd Amendment: Freedom from being forced to house soldiers
4th Amendment: Freedom from an illegal search
5th Amendment: Freedom to only be tried once for the same crime (no double jeopardy)
6th Amendment: Freedom to have a trail by an impartial jury
7th Amendment: Freedom to take a money grievance to court
8th Amendment: Freedom from excessive fines or cruel punishment
9th Amendment: Freedom from having rights denied without a vote
10th Amendment: Freedom to know who holds the power
4th Amendment
What is the role of the executive branch?
To enforce the laws and make sure that everyone follows and obeys them.