Due Process, Civics, & Bill of Rights Unit
- I can explain the responsibilities of a citizen.
- I can explain the freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights.
- I can explain the concept of due process of the law.
- I can describe how the Constitution protect's a citizens rights by due process.
- I can explain the amendment process outlined in the constitution.
- I can describe the purpose for the amendment process.
CitizensHip Responsibilities
- I can explain the responsibilities of a citizen.
Some responsibilities come simply from having privileges rather than rights. For example, your community might have a park that you are allowed to visit. It is your responsibility to keep the park in good shape and report violations that you see taking place. If you see a vandal putting graffiti on the picnic shelter, you should notify the authorities.
Bill of Rights
- I can explain the freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights.
Check out the Bill of Rights in kid friendly terms here. I also highly recommend watching the short video linked here, to get a better understanding of what the Bill of Rights actually mean for you.
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due Process
- I can explain the concept of due process of the law.
- I can describe how the Constitution protect's a citizens rights by due process.
- A fair trial.
- Be told what crimes you are being accused of.
- Explain why you are innocent, including the right to present evidence and call witnesses.
- Know what evidence is being used to accuse you.
- Have the person accusing you in court.
- A court decision based only on the evidence provided in court.
- A lawyer, even if you can't afford one.
- A punishment appropriate for the crime. You cannot be tortured or fined excessively.
- The court must keep a record of the trial and all the evidence, as well as make a written report explaining the reason for their decision.
Amending the Constitution
- I can explain the amendment process outlined in the constitution.
- I can describe the purpose for the amendment process.
Step 1: A congressman must propose that a new amendment needs to be passed (often times as the request of their constituents or the people they represent).
Step 2: Two thirds of the U.S. House of Representatives and two thirds of the U.S. Senate must pass the amendment.
Step 3: Three fourths of the states must ratify (approve) the new amendment.
Preamble
The preamble to the constitution is simply an introduction. It explains the purpose of the constitution. Why are these laws in existence? Read the preamble and find out.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.