Lesson 3: Bill of Rights
The Constitution established a strong national government and the rights of
the states, but there was no mention of the rights of its citizens. Some of the
delegates refused to sign the Constitution until a bill of rights was written to
protect the freedom and rights of the individual. It was promised that a bill
of rights would be attached to the Constitution. These would be the first
changes, or amendments, to the document.
James Madison proposed twelve amendments. Only ten were approved
by the States. These first ten amendments to the Constitution are our
Bill of Rights.
Let’s look at the rights and freedoms provided by each of the amendments:
Amendment 1: Freedom of Religion, Speech and the Press: The Right to
Assemble and Petition
The First Amendment might be one of the best known. It allows people to establish and
practice their religion freely, and to speak their ideas and opinions. It protects the rights of
its citizens to hold meetings and to petition the government. It gives the press (newspapers,
magazines) the right to publish the news and ideas.
Amendment 2: The Right to Bear Arms
The Second Amendment gives all citizens the right to own guns. You have probably heard
news stories about this recently. There has been much discussion about whether to limit the
kinds of guns that can be sold. Also, many people want to require a background check for
anyone purchasing a gun.
Amendment 3: Housing of Soldiers
When the colonies were ruled by England, people were forced to house soldiers in their
homes. They would have to give them a place to sleep and meals. This amendment made it
unlawful for a government to make a private citizen house its soldiers.
Amendment 4: Searches, Seizure and Warrants
This amendment protects people from law enforcement entering their
home without their permission or an order from the court called
a search warrant.
Lesson 3
Hear Ye!
Hear Ye!
Read more
about it!