The 1 st and 2 nd Amendments

Transcription

1 The 1 st and 2 nd Amendments

2 1 st Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

3 History of the 1 st Amendment Many parts of the 1 st Amendment derive from their history with the English: Freedom of Speech: Considered a essential right of the Enlightenment Freedom of Religion : Many of the colonists came to America to avoid religious conflict in Europe Freedom of the Press: English would censor their newspapers and imprison editors/reporters

4 History of the 1 st Amendment Freedom of Assembly: English would not let colonists be represented in Parliament and protest unfair acts Freedom to petition the government: Petitions sent to the King were ignored and never a productive avenue

5 1st Amendment = 5 rights Freedom of Speech Freedom of Religion Freedom of the Press Freedom of Assembly Freedom to petition the government 5

6 Free Speech Congress shall make no laws... abridging the freedom of speech. Limits: Threaten to blow up airplanes, schools, or the president Sexual harassment Create too much social chaos Extremely crude language in a public forum Disrespectful, vulgar language in schools Hate crimes 6

7 Free Speech: Individuals can Say any political belief Protest (without getting out of control) Say things about someone that are true Burn the flag Say racist and hate slogans Free speech means someone might say something you disagree with. 7

8 Freedom of Religion Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise there of. Two clauses: Establishment clause Free Exercise clause 8

9 Establishment Clause: Government cannot promote religion. The separation of church and state is a basic principle of the US Constitution. 9

10 Establishment Clause: Cans Teach about religions in school Allow voluntary prayer in many instances Transport students to a religious school Read Bible for culture or literacy content Government Cannot Set a state religion Cannot order prayer Teach religious doctrine in the school Pay seminary or religious school teachers Teach creationism 10

11 Free Exercise: People Can Cannot Choose any religion Lead a prayer in most instances Ask questions about religions Break the law and claim it is religious belief Raise children without education Deprive children of basic needs 11

12 Freedom of the Press: Can Print any political position Make fun of people, especially politicians Expose wrongs by the government Say things you might not agree with The Press Cannot Libel intentionally injuring a person s reputation by false facts Disclose classified government secrets Detail how to make a certain weapons 12

13 Freedom of Assembly: Can People Cannot Protest Parade (with a permit) Parade chanting hate slogans Gather in public Protest by throwing rocks and breaking windows Hang out (loiter) on private land without owner s permission 13

14 Petition the government You may sue the government for wrongs. You cannot be punished for exposing wrongs by the government. The courts decide the wrongs. 14

15 2 nd Amendment

16 Do You Believe in Gun Control?

17 2 nd Amendment A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

18 What should be allowed? Handguns Grenades Automatic Shotguns Grenades Sawed off Shotguns F-16 Fighter Jets Tanks Automatic Rifles Semi-Automatic Guns High Capacity Magazines Rocket Launchers

19 History of the 2 nd Amendment During the time period of the colonies, rifles and weapons of this sort were necessary for not only protection, but also hunting Colonists were expected to defend themselves for the crown through the use of the militia. They were to use their own supplies

20 Wording and Debate The 2 nd Amendment has words that are very controversial. Most debate surrounds these words: Militia: Is it an official army or is it a loose collection of citizen-soldiers People: Is it the people in general, or is it the government? Arms: Does it mean all types of weapons or reasonable weapons.

21 Gun Control or Self Defense District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) US Constitution protects individuals rights to possess a firearm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.

22 WHERE DO YOU STAND NOW?