Module 2.3 Bill of Rights and General Facts

"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."

Amendment I (First Amendment)

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment II (Second Amendment)

"No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."

Amendment III (Third Amendment)

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause..."

Amendment IV (Fourth Amendment)

"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."

Amendment IX (Ninth Amendment)

"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury... nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

Amendment V (Fifth Amendment)

"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed...and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence."

Amendment VI (Sixth Amendment)

"In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved..."

Amendment VII (Seventh Amendment)

"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

Amendment VIII (Eighth Amendment)

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Amendment X (Tenth Amendment)

What are Reserved Powers?

Answer: "Reserved powers" refers to powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment gives these powers to the states.

On what date was the Bill of Rights ratified?

Answer: December 15, 1791 (Bill of Rights Day)

True or False: The Second Amendment right to bear arms applies only to the militia.

Answer: False

What is the name of the group of anonymous essays published in newspapers throughout the states in support of ratification of the Constitution?

Answer: Federalist Papers

What is the name of the group of framers who published anonymous essays in favor of ratifying the Constitution?

Answer: Federalists

Which Amendment contains the Takings Clause?

Answer: Fifth Amendment

Which Amendment embodies the Big Principle of federalism?

Answer: Tenth Amendment (by recognizing reserved powers for the States)

True or False: The phrase "separation of Church and State" does not appear anywhere in the Constitution

Answer: True

What is the name of the group of framers who were opposed to the Constitution for fear of making the federal government too strong?

Anti-federalists

List five rights or freedoms protected by the First Amendment

Religion, speech, press, assembly, petition

What are three examples of Reserved Powers?

Running elections. Creating marriage laws. Regulating education.