The Bill of Rights. Why was the Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution? In several states, ratification (approval) for the Constitution was only.

The Bill of Rights

Why was the Bill of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution?

• In several states, ratification (approval) for the Constitution was only obtained when Federalist supporters promised to add a Bill of Rights to guarantee individual rights.

• Anti-Federalists like Patrick Henry and George Mason attacked the Constitution for failing to include a Bill of Rights.

Patrick Henry

George Mason

• The First 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights.

• James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights.

• The Bill of Rights, protect U.S. citizens' individual liberties.

First 10 Amendments = Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights• As soon as the first Congress assembled in 1789, it began

deciding which rights to include in the Bill of Rights.

• A list of ten rights were written and were sent to Congress and the states for approval.

– 1st: Congress approved the amendments

– Next: 2/3rds of the states approved the amendments by 1791.

• Bill of Rights went into effect in 1791.

First Amendment (RAPPS)

• Freedom of Religion– Guarantees individuals the right to freely engage in any religious

practices that do not directly harm other individuals. • Government cannot establish a religion of the U.S.

– Who pays for public schools? – Should public schools have prayers, which belong to a particular church

or religious group?– U.S. Supreme Court has ruled: No.

There can be no religious activities,

such as prayers, in public schools

during school hours.

Religion

First Amendment (RAPPS)

Freedom of Assembly• Congress cannot deny individuals the right to “peacefully

assemble.” • This means that people have the right to gather peacefully

with others without fear that the government will use force against them.

First Amendment (RAPPS)

Freedom of Press• This permits people to express themselves through

publication.

• Freedom of the press allows newspapers, radio, and television to write or announce what they want without fear of punishment.

• Journalists may have to disclose his or her sources.

• The press does not have the right to publish deliberate lies in order to harm a person.

First Amendment (RAPPS)

Freedom of Petition• Individuals have the rights to write to government

representatives of officials, seeking a change in law.

• This right is based on the belief that citizens have a right to complain to their representatives about things they do not like and would like to see changed.

• Citizens gather people’s signatures on petitions.

• These petitions are then sent to government officials.

First Amendment (RAPPS)

Freedom of Speech• Similar to the freedom of press• Freedom to say or write almost anything in public. • Americans cannot be put in jail for criticizing the government or for

expressing individual beliefs.

• In some circumstances, our speech can be limited.

• The Supreme Court has ruled that gov’t can limit free speech, if a “clear and present danger” is created by that speech.

• Free speech cannot violate other laws – such as deliberately spreading harmful lies, or copying someone else’s words without permission.

1st Amendment

Religion

Assembly

Press

Petition

Speech

Fold a sheet of paper to get 6

boxes.

Billof

Rights

1st AmendmentFreedoms/ Rights

R A

P P S

Billof

Rights

1st AmendmentFreedoms/ Rights

R A

P P S

1. List the freedom2. Give an example3. Draw a picture

with color