Week 19 of 32 • Page 4
UNIT 5: DEVELOPING A TEXAS GOVERNMENT
Name ________________________________________ Celebrate Freedom WEEK 19
The Bill of Rights OUR STATE
The Constitution states that everyone has the right to be The Fifth Amendment
treated equally. It doesn't matter what their race, religion, The right to due process of the law is another
Declaration of Independence
culture, beliefs, gender, or age are. United States citizens important part of the Bill of Rights. Due process means
are entitled to many freedoms and rights. The Bill of Rights your rights can't be taken away without a legal process
was added to the Constitution to protect rights that were to determine whether you're guilty of a crime. Citizens
not expressed in the original Constitution. The Bill of Rights accused of a serious crime cannot be tried unless a On June 7, 1776, delegate Richard Henry Lee grievances listed as evidence against King George III.
contains the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. special jury, called a grand jury, decides there is enough proposed a resolution to the Second Continental Here are just six of them:
The Bill of Rights continues to protect the freedoms of all evidence for a trial. A person cannot be put on trial Congress, which stated, “That these United Colonies • He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws
citizens today. twice for the same crime or serve as a witness against are, and, of right, ought to be, Free and Independent of immediate and pressing importance, unless
themselves. States.” The delegates all took a vote on the suspended in their operation till his Assent should
The First Amendment resolution. The passing vote was counted on July 2, be obtained; and when so suspended, he has
The Sixth Amendment 1776. On July 4, 1776, The United Colonies adopted utterly neglected to attend to them.
Citizens have the right to a lawyer and a fair trial if the document written by Thomas Jefferson. The • He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing
Religion
accused of a crime. Trials must be speedy, or quick, and Declaration of Independence would be sent Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
The government shall make no law that makes
open to the public. People who are accused of a crime o King George III. • For Quartering large bodies of armed troops
its citizens practice a specific religion. This is known
have the right to know who the witnesses against them The Declaration of Independence contains the among us:
as the “Establishment Clause.” This means there is
are. They also have the right to obtain, or get, witnesses core values of America in its words. • For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
no established or official religion the United States
government is making people follow. The government to help clear them of the crime. • For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of
shall make no law that restricts citizens’ freedom to Part 1: The Introduction, or preamble, says that Trial by Jury:
practice any religion. This is known as the “Free Exercise Seventh Amendment all men are created equal. It states that everyone • For suspending our own Legislatures, and
Clause.” This means the government cannot stop people The government can make no law against having has rights that are unalienable, meaning they can’t declaring themselves invested with power to
from following their religion. a trial by jury. A jury is a group of people randomly be taken away. These rights are “life, liberty and the legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
selected to hear evidence of a legal issue, then make a pursuit of Happiness.”
decision based on the evidence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Part 4: The conclusion explains what must be
Speech
men are created equal, that they are endowed by their done about these grievances.
The government shall make no law that restricts
Eighth Amendment Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought
freedom of speech. People have the right to speak freely,
The government shall make no law that requires these are Life, Liberty and the to be Free and Independent States; that they are
as long as it does not start violence.
extreme amounts of money for fines. A fine is a sum of pursuit of Happiness.” Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and
money used as a penalty or punishment for breaking the that all political connection between them
Press
law. The government cannot use punishments that are Part 2: The next section talks about the purpose and the State of Great Britain, is and ought
The government shall make no law that restricts the
cruel, humiliating, or cause physical suffering. of government. The Declaration states that to be totally dissolved;"
freedom of press, journalism, or news. Newspapers and
governments are created to protect the The delegates signed and sent the document to
journalists can write what they want
Ninth Amendment unalienable rights. the king. They had stated their concerns, given their
about the government.
The Constitution does not list or cover every right of “That to secure these rights, Governments are evidence and reasoning, and proposed their solution.
the people. Individuals also have many rights that are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from Now they remained firm in their commitment to
Assembly the consent of the governed, —That whenever any
not stated in the Constitution. The Constitution limits the seeing through what they proposed. Fifty-six men
The government shall make no law that restricts Form of Government becomes destructive of
control of government over the people. signed the Declaration of Independence. Those
freedom of assembly, or when people gather together to these ends, it is the Right of the People to signatures gave the king, Parliament, and the British
discuss politics or any other topic. alter or to abolish it.”
Tenth Amendment military evidence of treason against the British
State governments have rights in addition to the Part 3: Then, the Declaration shows how the government. Treason was punishable by death. These
Petition men put their honor and their lives on the line to
federal government. Certain rights are reserved for the British government has not done its job protecting
The government shall make no law that support what they believed in.
states to decide. State governments create voting laws these rights for the colonists. This is the reason the
prohibits its people from protesting or asking the
within each state. State governments decide what is
government to change. colonists needed a new government. There are 27
best for the people of their state.
The Second Amendment
This is to protect the people from tyranny of "Declaration of
government. It also gives people the right to keep Independence"
and use firearms, meaning guns, pistols, or rifles. The in 1776 by John
government cannot make a law to violate this right. Trumbull, 1819
The Third Amendment
The military cannot use private homes to house and
feed soldiers. The Third Amendment is in direct response
to the Quartering Acts of Parliament in 1765 and 1774.
The Fourth Amendment
The government can only search, or look through,
private property and seize, or take, private property
based on evidence. The evidence is presented to a court
judge. If there is reasonable evidence, then a written
permit is given called a search warrant. Government
employees cannot go into a home uninvited. They must
have a search warrant. James Madison, primary
author and chief advocate
for the Bill of Rights in the
First Congress
Week 19 of 32 • Page 3
The Constitution of the United States of America
The Constitution consists of the preamble, seven articles, branches of government. There are clear directions on what
and 27 amendments. The preamble explains the purpose Congress is forbidden to do. Only Congress can raise and
of the document. The seven articles lay out the three spend money. Congress is responsible for the Army, Navy,
branches of government and the rules for each branch. The Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The representatives of
27 amendments guarantee the rights of the people. The the people are in charge of the military. The final section
amendments have been added as the nation has grown. The closes with powers forbidden to the states.
amendments give clarity and specific rules Article 2: The Executive Branch
to the government. “The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the The White House
Article 1: The Legislative Branch United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the
“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President,
Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate chosen for the same Term.”
and House of Representatives.” Section 1: A person who is a natural-born citizen, at least
Section 1: Grants Congress the power to make laws in two 35 years old, and a resident of the United States for 14 years
organized parts: the Senate and the House can work for the executive office. Once elected, the president
of Representatives. shall take the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly
Section 2: The House of Representatives is defined. The swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of United States Senate chamber
election of members is every two years. Each member must President of the United States, and will to the best of my
be at least 25 years old and a citizen of the United States for Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution
at least seven years. of the United States."
The number of representatives will be determined by Section 2: Sets up the president as the commander-
the population “... of free persons, including those bound in-chief of the armed forces. It further defines the powers
to Service for a term of years [indentured] and excluding within the office for hiring people for government posts with
Indians not taxed, three fifths of other persons.” The the advice and consent of the Senate.
country will be counted every 10 years in a census. If there Section 3: The president is required to give information on
United States House of
is a vacancy from any state, the executive branch will call the state of the Union to Congress.
Representatives chamber
for an election. The House of Representatives will have the Section 4: "The President, Vice President, and all civil
sole power of impeachment (to challenge and investigate a Officers of the United States shall be removed from Office
member of government). on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or
Section 3: The Senate is defined. Each state will have other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
two elected senators to Congress for a six-year term. Each Article 3: The Judiciary Branch
senator must be at least 30 years old and a citizen of the “The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested
United States for at least nine years. The vice president of in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the
the executive branch will be president of the Senate. The Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.”
vice president may only vote to break a tie. The Senate will As established under Article 2, the president will nominate
also elect a president to serve in the absence of the vice a judge for the judicial branch. The nominee must then be
president. The Senate will have the sole power to try all confirmed through the Senate.
impeachments. Impeachment will not extend to more than a Section 2: The office of the judiciary will extend to all
removal from office in the government. cases of law arising under the Constitution. It also covers the
Section 4: Congress will meet at least once every year on laws of the United States and all controversies between the Week 19 of 32 • Page 3
the first Monday in December. state, citizens and states, and citizens and citizens.
The remaining six sections define the rules and Section 3: Treason against the United States is defined. The United States
responsibilities of each group in the system of checks and Treason is giving aid and comfort to enemies or waging war Supreme Court
balances. They help to keep power distributed across the against the United States.
Relations of the States Amending the The Supreme Law Ratification
to Each Other Constitution of the Land Process
Article 4 establishes relations between the states. “The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses Article 6: This article provided for the peaceful transfer The final article of the Constitution defines the
It also defines the state's relations with the federal shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to of power from the Articles of Confederation to the new process for ratification.
government. this Constitution.” federal government. Nine of the 13 states had to vote to approve the
“The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Article 5: Unique to the United States government, The new government honored all debts and Constitution to create the new government. Each
Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the this article defines the process for changing the contracts made by the Confederation Congress. This state held conventions where each part of the
several States.” Constitution. Other governments have to create an also established the Constitution as the “Supreme document was discussed. The Federalists and Anti-
Section 1: All legal documents in one state must entirely new government or Constitution. This was Law of the Land.” No state law could go against the federalists practiced civil discourse. Civil discourse is
be accepted by the other states. usually done through much conflict. Constitution. This article established the strong federal when each side tries to persuade people to their views
Section 2: Criminals must be returned to their Any amendments to the Constitution must government wanted by the Federalists. There were and beliefs in a respectful and open manner. There
state of citizenship by state law enforcement have the people involved in writing, reviewing, and still many parts of the country that supported states' was concern about the absence of a bill of rights to
agencies. Any person held to service or labor who ratification. Since 1789, 33 amendments have rights. All disagreements went to the Supreme protect individual rights. Compromises and promises
escapes to another state will be delivered to the been introduced over the years, but only 27 Court to be resolved. were made to get the Constitution ratified
person who claims their labor. have been ratified. “The Senators and Representatives ... and the by nine states.
Section 3: Admission of new states to the Union One amendment that failed to be ratified was the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all The states and the dates of ratification are listed
is held in Congress. Congress can change any “Titles of nobility.” This amendment would have taken executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States here, in order of ratification:
state boundaries when deemed necessary. State U.S. citizenship from any American who accepted a and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or
Delaware: Dec. 7, 1787
constitutions are to be a representative democracy title of nobility from a foreign country. Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious
Pennsylvania: Dec. 12, 1787
like the federal government. The states will be The last amendment that was introduced was Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any
New Jersey: Dec. 18, 1787
protected by the national government against in 1985. The District of Columbia would have been Office or public Trust under the United States.”
Georgia: Jan. 2, 1788
invasion or violence within the state. treated as a state. The ratification period ended
Connecticut: Jan. 9, 1788
without the required votes for passage.
Massachusetts: Feb. 6, 1788
Maryland: April 28, 1788
South Carolina: May 23, 1788
New Hampshire: June 21, 1788
Week 19 of 32 • Page 4
UNIT 5: DEVELOPING A TEXAS GOVERNMENT
Name ________________________________________ Celebrate Freedom WEEK 19
The Bill of Rights OUR STATE
The Constitution states that everyone has the right to be The Fifth Amendment
treated equally. It doesn't matter what their race, religion, The right to due process of the law is another
Declaration of Independence
culture, beliefs, gender, or age are. United States citizens important part of the Bill of Rights. Due process means
are entitled to many freedoms and rights. The Bill of Rights your rights can't be taken away without a legal process
was added to the Constitution to protect rights that were to determine whether you're guilty of a crime. Citizens
not expressed in the original Constitution. The Bill of Rights accused of a serious crime cannot be tried unless a On June 7, 1776, delegate Richard Henry Lee grievances listed as evidence against King George III.
contains the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. special jury, called a grand jury, decides there is enough proposed a resolution to the Second Continental Here are just six of them:
The Bill of Rights continues to protect the freedoms of all evidence for a trial. A person cannot be put on trial Congress, which stated, “That these United Colonies • He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws
citizens today. twice for the same crime or serve as a witness against are, and, of right, ought to be, Free and Independent of immediate and pressing importance, unless
themselves. States.” The delegates all took a vote on the suspended in their operation till his Assent should
The First Amendment resolution. The passing vote was counted on July 2, be obtained; and when so suspended, he has
The Sixth Amendment 1776. On July 4, 1776, The United Colonies adopted utterly neglected to attend to them.
Citizens have the right to a lawyer and a fair trial if the document written by Thomas Jefferson. The • He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing
Religion
accused of a crime. Trials must be speedy, or quick, and Declaration of Independence would be sent Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
The government shall make no law that makes
open to the public. People who are accused of a crime o King George III. • For Quartering large bodies of armed troops
its citizens practice a specific religion. This is known
have the right to know who the witnesses against them The Declaration of Independence contains the among us:
as the “Establishment Clause.” This means there is
are. They also have the right to obtain, or get, witnesses core values of America in its words. • For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
no established or official religion the United States
government is making people follow. The government to help clear them of the crime. • For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of
shall make no law that restricts citizens’ freedom to Part 1: The Introduction, or preamble, says that Trial by Jury:
practice any religion. This is known as the “Free Exercise Seventh Amendment all men are created equal. It states that everyone • For suspending our own Legislatures, and
Clause.” This means the government cannot stop people The government can make no law against having has rights that are unalienable, meaning they can’t declaring themselves invested with power to
from following their religion. a trial by jury. A jury is a group of people randomly be taken away. These rights are “life, liberty and the legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
selected to hear evidence of a legal issue, then make a pursuit of Happiness.”
decision based on the evidence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Part 4: The conclusion explains what must be
Speech
men are created equal, that they are endowed by their done about these grievances.
The government shall make no law that restricts
Eighth Amendment Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought
freedom of speech. People have the right to speak freely,
The government shall make no law that requires these are Life, Liberty and the to be Free and Independent States; that they are
as long as it does not start violence.
extreme amounts of money for fines. A fine is a sum of pursuit of Happiness.” Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and
money used as a penalty or punishment for breaking the that all political connection between them
Press
law. The government cannot use punishments that are Part 2: The next section talks about the purpose and the State of Great Britain, is and ought
The government shall make no law that restricts the
cruel, humiliating, or cause physical suffering. of government. The Declaration states that to be totally dissolved;"
freedom of press, journalism, or news. Newspapers and
governments are created to protect the The delegates signed and sent the document to
journalists can write what they want
Ninth Amendment unalienable rights. the king. They had stated their concerns, given their
about the government.
The Constitution does not list or cover every right of “That to secure these rights, Governments are evidence and reasoning, and proposed their solution.
the people. Individuals also have many rights that are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from Now they remained firm in their commitment to
Assembly the consent of the governed, —That whenever any
not stated in the Constitution. The Constitution limits the seeing through what they proposed. Fifty-six men
The government shall make no law that restricts Form of Government becomes destructive of
control of government over the people. signed the Declaration of Independence. Those
freedom of assembly, or when people gather together to these ends, it is the Right of the People to signatures gave the king, Parliament, and the British
discuss politics or any other topic. alter or to abolish it.”
Tenth Amendment military evidence of treason against the British
State governments have rights in addition to the Part 3: Then, the Declaration shows how the government. Treason was punishable by death. These
Petition men put their honor and their lives on the line to
federal government. Certain rights are reserved for the British government has not done its job protecting
The government shall make no law that support what they believed in.
states to decide. State governments create voting laws these rights for the colonists. This is the reason the
prohibits its people from protesting or asking the
within each state. State governments decide what is
government to change. colonists needed a new government. There are 27
best for the people of their state.
The Second Amendment
This is to protect the people from tyranny of "Declaration of
government. It also gives people the right to keep Independence"
and use firearms, meaning guns, pistols, or rifles. The in 1776 by John
government cannot make a law to violate this right. Trumbull, 1819
The Third Amendment
The military cannot use private homes to house and
feed soldiers. The Third Amendment is in direct response
to the Quartering Acts of Parliament in 1765 and 1774.
The Fourth Amendment
The government can only search, or look through,
private property and seize, or take, private property
based on evidence. The evidence is presented to a court
judge. If there is reasonable evidence, then a written
permit is given called a search warrant. Government
employees cannot go into a home uninvited. They must
have a search warrant. James Madison, primary
author and chief advocate
for the Bill of Rights in the
First Congress
