Project Based Learning- The Bill of Rights
The United States Constitution has endured for over two hundred years as the supreme law of our land. It is a living document that is central to American life. The language of the Constitution is not overly restrictive, thus its words have transcended time. The Bill of Rights ensured the passage of the Constitution. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights contains ten amendments that work to protect Americans’ personal liberties that many feared would be weakened under the new Constitution. Today, these amendments continue to protect Americans’ personal liberties. They are a part of the living Constitution that is constantly interpreted in an effort to maintain framers’ principles in an ever-changing society.
The Bill of Rights:
1st Amendment- Freedom of Expression
2nd Amendment- Right to Bear Arms
3rd Amendment- Quartering of Troops
4th Amendment- Unreasonable Search and Seizures
5th Amendment- Due Process of Law- This amendment has several parts.
6th Amendment- Right to a Fair Trial
7th Amendment- Trial by Jury
8th Amendment- Cruel and Unusual Punishment
9th Amendment- Un-enumerated Rights
10th Amendment- States’ Rights
Your Task: You will create a poster describing the first ten amendments to the Constitution to inform your classmates about its meaning and importance early America and today.
Your Poster Must Include the Following Information:
The name of the amendment in big, bold letters
Write the text of the amendment
Write a description of the history and meaning of the amendment
Explain and description of one Supreme Court case involving one amendment
Construct an original picture (drawing, photograph, collage) showing the amendment in action
You must write two paragraphs explaining how this amendment protecting citizens today and today's interpretation of this amendment.