The Bill of Rights Unit :
The First Ten Amendments of the US Constitution
Topic Questions
What are the Bill of Rights?
Where do those rights come from?
Targets
12.1 Identify the sources, evaluate the justification, and analyze the implications of certain rights and responsibilities of citizens.
12.3 Trace how legal interpretations of liberty, equality, justice, and power, as identified in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other Constitutional Amendments, have changed and evolved over time.
12.5. Analyze different theories of how governmental powers might be used to help promote or hinder liberty, equality and justice, and develop a reasoned conclusion.
Think Like a Historian
Pretest
What are the Bill of Rights? Where do they come from?
Essential unit question: What are the Bill of Rights and where do they come from?
As we transition from talking about our rights and responsibilities as 21st citizens, it is important to know where our individual rights came from. We will return to the body of the Constitution during the remainder of the semester.
Video: Rights, Rights, Baby
Video: Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration of Independence Song
Think About This: A student heard this and said it represents the Bill of Right.
-Do you agree or disagree?
-Is it a break up song?
What is happening here in this art?
Bill of Rights Pic #1
Bill of Rights Pic #2
Directions:
1) On this organizer write what this artist is trying to portray for each picture.
2) Download this file for Bill of Rights for Kids
3)Discuss the pictures in groups and what the amendment is trying to describe.
![Picture](/uploads/8/9/5/8/8958316/935803.jpg?250)
What do you know about you rights as a citizen of the US?
Essential unit question: What are the Bill of Rights? Where do they come from?
Sketch through the text
Directions:
1. Listen to the song "Something Happening Here?"
2. Sketch with a pencil in words or pictures what you think is happening in the song
5. Discuss in small groups
Why did the framers add the Bill of Rights to the original document?
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
1. Watch this Video: (key words)
2. "Story of the Bill of Rights" video review - Why did the framers add to the Bill of Rights to the orginal document?
3. Reading: Graphic representation of The United States Constitution p. 88 (handout)
4. Click on the pictures from left to right to understand the necessity of the Bill of Rights.
Essential unit question: What are the Bill of Rights? Where do they come from?
Sketch through the text
Directions:
1. Listen to the song "Something Happening Here?"
2. Sketch with a pencil in words or pictures what you think is happening in the song
- Note: I will I will replay the song with lyrics. Update the picture.
- What do you think the band is trying to say?
- What kind of a change maker are they?
- Interactive Constitution
5. Discuss in small groups
Why did the framers add the Bill of Rights to the original document?
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
1. Watch this Video: (key words)
2. "Story of the Bill of Rights" video review - Why did the framers add to the Bill of Rights to the orginal document?
3. Reading: Graphic representation of The United States Constitution p. 88 (handout)
4. Click on the pictures from left to right to understand the necessity of the Bill of Rights.
5. Parter Activity
Using the video and the graphic representation,write a six word essay.
6. Partners share essay with the whole group on the Google Doc.
First Amendment:
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
1. Rap/Celebrities introduction video on the First Amendment:
Using the video and the graphic representation,write a six word essay.
- Think about the meaning of the Bill of Rights in exactly six words.
6. Partners share essay with the whole group on the Google Doc.
First Amendment:
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
- How important was the first Amendment to the framers?
- How important is it to you?
1. Rap/Celebrities introduction video on the First Amendment:
Bill of Rights: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow too.
1st Amendment:
1st Amendment:
![Picture](/uploads/8/9/5/8/8958316/1723156_orig.jpg)
Resource: http://1forall.us/teach-the-first-amendment/
First Amendment Freedom of Religion
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Directions:
1. Reading: 1st Amendment Graphic Novel Passage (handout). P. 89-93
2. Article #1: Ten Commandments Monument on Texas Grounds (Modeling)
Did the court make the right decision?
3. Article #2: Arizona/Religious Liberties Bill
Did the court make the right decision?
Additional Resource
More information on Arizona/Religious Liberties Bill
First Amendment - Freedom of the Press
Essential unit question: What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Activity: What is the press?
1. Intro: Freedom of the Press Documentary
2. What is a blogger? Are they journalists? Who is protected and unprotected as press? As I read the article below, have a conversation with yourself about who should be considered the press.
Bloggers have first Amendment rights when getting sued.
3. Discuss: Questions and Comments?
4. Choose one of the articles below and complete a discussion web about what can be printed.
Article #1: White House approves a press pass for blogger
Article #2: Apple rumor site shut down in settlement.
5. Half and half discussion: In group discuss your article and what can be said in print.
Additional resource
6. Exit ticket: What did you learn about the powers of the press ?
First Amendment - Freedom of Speech
Essential unit question: What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Activity 1
Freedom of speech.pdf - Link explains the First Amendment and its 5 part
In a nutshell, free speech, though not an absolute value in itself, is a positive value and ought to be protected and defended; but hate, malicious and vulgar speech is a negative value that ultimately leads to bloodshed and war.
Activity 2
1. What is Freedom of Speech?
2. Share with small groups.
Activity 3
1. Free Speech Primer: What can you say?
2. Directions:
4. Freedom of Speech Frayer Model.
5.Work on your own using the article.
5. Discuss the Frayer Model and most importantly how Freedom of Speech affects you with your group.
6. Exit slip: I used to think and now I know...
Activity 4
Article #1: Teen Sues Over Confederate Flag Prom Dress
Article #2: Florida Man Hangs KKK Flag Outside Trailer Home
NOW: read this
dailycaller.com-Happy_Constitution_Day_Ninth_Circuit_Affirms_That_Its_Illegal_To_Wear_American_F.pdf
Heckler rule. American flags banned in Texas school on May fifth, Mexican Independence Day.
First Amendment- Freedom of Assembly
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
The people have the right to ask the government for wrongs to be corrected
Intro: Civil Rights March
As you read the two articles think about: Is this a legal march (hold a public meeting) under the First Amendment? Why?
Occupy_Wall_Street_right to assemble.pdf
Use this organizer to help answer the question: Is this a legal assembly under the First Amendment? Why?
Legal assembly? Evidence/opinion Not a legal assembly? Evidence/opinion
First Amendment- Freedom of Petition
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
The people have the right to ask the government for wrongs to be corrected
Pick a protest and what redress (means to correct) a grievance (means a wrong): Best Protest signs
Example 1: Musical Representation "Get up, Stand up"
Example 2: Signs
Activity Directions:
1. Do your own research, read the definitions of petition and assemble and come up with your own interpretation of righting a wrong.
2:12 Fortunate One
2. Identify on the slide with the song(s) the redress and grievance they are exposing to be corrected.
3. Post on padlet with reasons why you chose the song.
Class +3 Padlet
Class +4 Padlet
4. Present message to class.
Lets see what you know about the 1st Amendment
quiz bill of rights.docx
Second Amendment - Right to Bear Arms
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
1.Explanation of Second Amendment
Right to Bear Arms in Plain English
2.Intro song
4:25 "I like guns" Country song
Stolen years and gun deaths chart from 2013
3.Intro Video (3:22): The Origins of the Second Amendment
4.Graphic Novel - Second Amendment (Page 93)
First Amendment Freedom of Religion
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Directions:
1. Reading: 1st Amendment Graphic Novel Passage (handout). P. 89-93
- What is important to understand? -5 protections
- How does the government evaluate how it affects our lives?
2. Article #1: Ten Commandments Monument on Texas Grounds (Modeling)
Did the court make the right decision?
3. Article #2: Arizona/Religious Liberties Bill
Did the court make the right decision?
Additional Resource
More information on Arizona/Religious Liberties Bill
First Amendment - Freedom of the Press
Essential unit question: What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Activity: What is the press?
1. Intro: Freedom of the Press Documentary
2. What is a blogger? Are they journalists? Who is protected and unprotected as press? As I read the article below, have a conversation with yourself about who should be considered the press.
Bloggers have first Amendment rights when getting sued.
3. Discuss: Questions and Comments?
4. Choose one of the articles below and complete a discussion web about what can be printed.
Article #1: White House approves a press pass for blogger
Article #2: Apple rumor site shut down in settlement.
5. Half and half discussion: In group discuss your article and what can be said in print.
Additional resource
6. Exit ticket: What did you learn about the powers of the press ?
First Amendment - Freedom of Speech
Essential unit question: What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
Activity 1
Freedom of speech.pdf - Link explains the First Amendment and its 5 part
In a nutshell, free speech, though not an absolute value in itself, is a positive value and ought to be protected and defended; but hate, malicious and vulgar speech is a negative value that ultimately leads to bloodshed and war.
Activity 2
1. What is Freedom of Speech?
2. Share with small groups.
Activity 3
1. Free Speech Primer: What can you say?
2. Directions:
- Have a conversation with yourself as you read the article. Underline important ideas about what free speech is and is not. Note questions you have in the margins as you read.
4. Freedom of Speech Frayer Model.
5.Work on your own using the article.
5. Discuss the Frayer Model and most importantly how Freedom of Speech affects you with your group.
6. Exit slip: I used to think and now I know...
Activity 4
Article #1: Teen Sues Over Confederate Flag Prom Dress
Article #2: Florida Man Hangs KKK Flag Outside Trailer Home
NOW: read this
dailycaller.com-Happy_Constitution_Day_Ninth_Circuit_Affirms_That_Its_Illegal_To_Wear_American_F.pdf
Heckler rule. American flags banned in Texas school on May fifth, Mexican Independence Day.
First Amendment- Freedom of Assembly
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
The people have the right to ask the government for wrongs to be corrected
Intro: Civil Rights March
As you read the two articles think about: Is this a legal march (hold a public meeting) under the First Amendment? Why?
Occupy_Wall_Street_right to assemble.pdf
Use this organizer to help answer the question: Is this a legal assembly under the First Amendment? Why?
Legal assembly? Evidence/opinion Not a legal assembly? Evidence/opinion
First Amendment- Freedom of Petition
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
The people have the right to ask the government for wrongs to be corrected
Pick a protest and what redress (means to correct) a grievance (means a wrong): Best Protest signs
Example 1: Musical Representation "Get up, Stand up"
Example 2: Signs
Activity Directions:
1. Do your own research, read the definitions of petition and assemble and come up with your own interpretation of righting a wrong.
2:12 Fortunate One
2. Identify on the slide with the song(s) the redress and grievance they are exposing to be corrected.
3. Post on padlet with reasons why you chose the song.
Class +3 Padlet
Class +4 Padlet
4. Present message to class.
Lets see what you know about the 1st Amendment
quiz bill of rights.docx
Second Amendment - Right to Bear Arms
Essential unit question:
What are the Bill Of Rights? Where do those rights come from?
1.Explanation of Second Amendment
Right to Bear Arms in Plain English
2.Intro song
4:25 "I like guns" Country song
Stolen years and gun deaths chart from 2013
3.Intro Video (3:22): The Origins of the Second Amendment
4.Graphic Novel - Second Amendment (Page 93)
![Picture](/uploads/8/9/5/8/8958316/1579397.jpg?679)
5.Jon Stewart on 2nd amendment after Sandy Hook 8:24
Article #1: Gun Country
Organizer
Article #2: Gun Law after Sandy Hook
Connecticut Gun Law (2014) Following Sandy Hook
Article #3 Supreme court verdict on 2nd Amendment
Article #4: Armed citizen scenarios.
Article #5: What are both sides of the debate on the right to bear arms?
Look at the arguments in the article and place in the correct side to support the gun debate.
You Be the Judge Activity
In Conclusion:
- How could this story have ended differently if our 2nd amendment rights did not exist?
- What if it was replaced with legislation from the country of Iran?
...the government is obliged to provide a programme of military training, with all requisite facilities, for all its citizens, in
accordance with the Islamic criteria, in such a way that all citizens will always be able to engage in the armed defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The possession of arms, however, requires the granting of permission by the competent authorities.
Third Amendment
Click on the link for an explanation of the necessity of the 3rd Amendment.
Give a couple reasons for the 3rd Amendment to be preserved and how it is still used today.
Are there any modern day uses for the Third Amendment?
Fourth Amendment
1. Graphic Novel
Read the graphic novel and do this organizer as you go through it.
fourth,5th6thAmendmentorganizer.docx
2. Mr. Hughes explains the 4th Amendment 12:25
![Picture](/uploads/8/9/5/8/8958316/680807_orig.jpg)
![Picture](/uploads/8/9/5/8/8958316/7932685_orig.jpg)
3. Video: People sign a petition to repeal the 4th Amendment. 5:40
4.Read the graphic novel on the 4th Amendment
5.Amendment 4- Searches and Seizure Simulation
6.Can they do that? How is this constitutional to search?
Article # 1 How is this constitutional to search?
7.Article # 2
Can he be arrested? Can they take his guns?
8. Article #3 How about this case? Violation of 4th Amendment?
Fifth Amendment
1. Read the 5th amendment in the graphic novel.
2. Mr. Hughes on 5th Amendment Criminal Proceedings; Due Process; Eminent Domain 12:51
3. Miranda Rights from a kid cop. (33 seconds )
4.Article # 1 Miranda case vs Arizona A warning to schools?
5. Article # 2 Eminent domain bill for energy companies.
6. Analyze 5th amendment
7. How important is the fifth amendment? How important is this statute of the fifth Amendment to private citizens in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Statute showing what eminent domain is
8. Conclusion:
Final clip on the fifth amendment from Dave Chappelle show 1:20
Sixth Amendment
1. Intro video on 6th Amendment
2. Read the graphic novel on the 6th Amendment
3. What is too poor for a public defender?
4. four A chart.doc
5. Does it feel like someone is watching?
6. Lawyer speaks
-Put in rewordify and tell me what the most important part of the 6th Amendment is.
Seventh Amendment
1. Look through graphic novel at 7th amendment
2. Civil Trials
Four A chart.doc
3. Compare the sixth amendment to original text of the 7th amendment and if its intention of that amendment? abuse?
Quick write: statement of above comparison, evidence/reflection, conclusion, share with
4. Comedian on repeal of the six and seventh amendments
Amendment 8
1. Introduction:
2. Graphic Novel - 8th Amendment
3. What are the different parts of the 8th Amendment that are protected?
4. Read this paragraph with a partner and share your thoughts of the 8th amendment. Is this too cruel?
5.Which punishment is cruel and Unusual? Death penalty information center. methods of execution by state.
- Teen hits self in head with his own golf ball. 2 million dollars
- McDonalds coffee law suit for frivolous examples
Four A chart.doc
3. Compare the sixth amendment to original text of the 7th amendment and if its intention of that amendment? abuse?
Quick write: statement of above comparison, evidence/reflection, conclusion, share with
4. Comedian on repeal of the six and seventh amendments
Amendment 8
1. Introduction:
2. Graphic Novel - 8th Amendment
3. What are the different parts of the 8th Amendment that are protected?
- Is this too cruel: Execution of teenagers?
- -----The Verdict
4. Read this paragraph with a partner and share your thoughts of the 8th amendment. Is this too cruel?
5.Which punishment is cruel and Unusual? Death penalty information center. methods of execution by state.
Execution methods by state.
Year by year chart
6. Does the 8th Amendment protect us from cruel and unusual punishment?
7. 8th Amendment views
What is Justice Antonin's viewpoint on the interpretation of the VIII Amendment and if it protect Americans as it was suppose to?
8. What states have what method for death penalties?
9.Death penalties around the world
10. Articles:
11. What is cruel and unusual? You decide.
four A chart.doc
Magnet summary
Ninth Amendment
1. Read the graphic novel on the 9th Amendment
Year by year chart
6. Does the 8th Amendment protect us from cruel and unusual punishment?
7. 8th Amendment views
What is Justice Antonin's viewpoint on the interpretation of the VIII Amendment and if it protect Americans as it was suppose to?
8. What states have what method for death penalties?
9.Death penalties around the world
10. Articles:
11. What is cruel and unusual? You decide.
four A chart.doc
Magnet summary
- Topic
- Key words
Ninth Amendment
1. Read the graphic novel on the 9th Amendment
2. Mr. Hughes introduces 9th Amendment 5:24
3. Article # 1 Birth control and right to privacy.
4. four A chart.doc Use this chart to analyze the video, and two readings.
Amendment 10
Powers reserved to the States
1. Read the 10th amendment in the graphic novel p. 116
3. Article # 1 Birth control and right to privacy.
4. four A chart.doc Use this chart to analyze the video, and two readings.
Amendment 10
Powers reserved to the States
1. Read the 10th amendment in the graphic novel p. 116
- Discuss what it means
2. Mr. Hughes introduces 10th Amendment 5:30
3. Article # 1 Same sex marriage
4. Article # 2 Legalize recreational marijuana What are those restrictions in this experiment?
5. four A chart.doc
6. 20 states seeking sovereignty from Federal government 5:40 video
7. How can states exercise the 9th and 10th Amendment? Is this legal? 3:25
Nullification of Obamacare in Wisconsin
Article # 1 Long article with Wisconsin mentioned
Article # 2 Short article
Article # 3
four A chart.doc
Amendment Quiz
Bill of Rights Final Assessment
Amendment review if you need it
Review
Question #1 Link
Question #12 Link
3. Article # 1 Same sex marriage
4. Article # 2 Legalize recreational marijuana What are those restrictions in this experiment?
5. four A chart.doc
6. 20 states seeking sovereignty from Federal government 5:40 video
7. How can states exercise the 9th and 10th Amendment? Is this legal? 3:25
Nullification of Obamacare in Wisconsin
Article # 1 Long article with Wisconsin mentioned
Article # 2 Short article
Article # 3
four A chart.doc
Amendment Quiz
Bill of Rights Final Assessment
Amendment review if you need it
Review
Question #1 Link
Question #12 Link