Essay Question: The protection of the rights of individuals has often been tested throughout American history. Examine the causes and effects of ten violations of the Bill of Rights (as well as other Amendments to the Constitution) and explain what role these violations had on the shaping of the history of this nation.
Project Based Lesson: Supreme Court Re-Enactment - Students will role play both sides in the historic cases of Cherokee Nation vs. the United States, the Dred Scott decision, Plessy vs. Ferguson, Shneck vs. the United States, Brown vs. the Board of Education and Roe vs. Wade in order to determine how the Constitution has been interpreted and applied throughout American history.
Readings/Internet: The Bill of Rights, Judicial Analysis of the Bill of Rights
Links Lesson: 1) Concept Web of the Intent and Application for each of the Amendments below, 2) Cause and Effect Chart to examine each Amendment below, 3) Divided Page of the first 10 Amendments and their challenges at the Supreme Court level
Essential Questions: 1) Should there be any limits on the freedoms in the first Amendments or not?Why or why not? 2) Should the rights of an individual end when the safety of a group or community is at risk? 3) What are the strengths and weaknesses of the American judicial system? 4) Do criminals surrender their protection of freedom when they violate the law? 5) Have the Bill of Rights been effective in protecting the rights of individuals in American history?
Identification Terms
Freedom of speech
Writ of habeas corpus
Amendment process
Searches & seizures
Freedom of religion
Death penalty
Gay Marriage
Patrick Henry
Gun control
Self-incrimination
No cruel punishment
Freedom of press
Speedy trial
James Madison
Abortion debate
Voting age
Equal protection
Rights left unsaid
War on drugs
Trial by jury
Right to bear arms
Power left to states
Samuel Adams
Judicial review
Womens right to vote
Probable cause
Civil Rights
Human Rights
Hate crimes
Future Amendments
Short Answer Questions
1. List and explain three future amendments you envision for Americas future.In what way do they expend the rights of individuals?
2. How do you believe the Supreme Court should define the right to bear arms in light of Americas very high rate of gun violence?
3. Could the Constitution have been ratified without the addition of the Bill of Rights? Describe what this alternative USA would be like.
4. Explain five examples of times in US history when the rights of individuals in the Bill of Rights were suspended or removed.
5. In times of threats to individuals and national security, when (or should) the rights of individuals be limited to increase protection?
6. Should the interpretation of the rights of individuals be a power of citizenship, by voting, or should the courts retain these powers?
7. Under what circumstances should the freedom of speech be reduced or eliminated in America? Should it never be limited?
8. Are the rights of individuals relative (depending on circumstance/perspective) or universal (never changing)?Justify your answer.
9. Which do you believe are the three most important amendments to the Constitution? Explain why in the context of US history.
10. How do individual citizens protect and enforce equal rights for themselves and others in their daily lives? Explain & give examples.
