Bill of Rights
California Content Standard 8.2.6
By the end of the lesson, I will be able to…
Enumerate the powers of government set forth in the
Constitution and the fundamental liberties ensured by the Bill of
Rights
As evidenced by…
Taking notes and a quiz.
Representative Democracy
• The United States is a representative democracy.
• The government is led by officials chosen by the people.
• The Constitution divides powers between the states and the
federal government.
Delegated Powers
• Powers granted by the Constitution to the federal government
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Coining of money
Regulation of interstate and international trade
Running country’s defense
Declaring war
Conducting diplomacy
Reserved Powers
• Powers kept by the state governments or the citizens
• Creating local governments
• Holding elections
• Controlling education and trade within their borders
Concurrent Powers
• Powers shared by the federal and state governments
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Taxation
Borrowing money
Enforcing laws
Providing for citizens’ welfare
“Necessary and proper”
• When “necessary and proper,” Congress has the authority to
stretch its delegated powers to deal with new or unexpected
issues.
• The elastic clause is found in Article I, Section 8 of the
Constitution
• Provides flexibility for the government
Bill of Rights
• The Bill of Rights ensures that the rights of all citizens are
protected.
• First 10 amendments added to the Constitution
First Amendment
• The ideas spelled out in the First Amendment form the most
basic rights of all U.S. citizens
• These rights include
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Freedom of religion
Freedom of the press
Freedom of speech
Freedom of assembly
Right to petition
Second Amendment
• The Second Amendment deals with state militias and the right
to bear arms.
Third Amendment
• The Third Amendment prevents the military from forcing
citizens to house soldiers.
Fourth Amendment
• The Fourth Amendment prohibits “unreasonable searches and
seizures.”
Fifth Amendment
• Provides guidelines for trying people accused of crimes.
• Under the Fifth Amendment, the government cannot punish
anyone without due process of law.
Sixth Amendment
• Provides guidelines for trying people accused of crimes.
• The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy public
trial by jury and the right of the accused to have an attorney
defend them.
Seventh Amendment
• Provides guidelines for trying people accused of crimes.
• The Seventh Amendment allows juries to decide civil cases.
Eighth Amendment
• Provides guidelines for trying people accused of crimes.
• The Eighth Amendment bans excessive bail, excessive fines,
and cruel and unusual punishment.
Ninth Amendment
• The Ninth Amendment says that the rights listed in the
Constitution are not the only rights that citizens have.
Tenth Amendment
• Under the Tenth Amendment any powers that the
Constitution does not specifically give to Congress or prohibit
to the states belong to the states and to the people.
• Thus, it protects citizens’ rights
• It helps to keep the balance of power between the federal and
state governments.