Citizenship and

Government
Ms. Reardon & Mrs. Browns
5th grade class

Georgia Performance Standards:

SS5CG1 The student will explain how a citizens rights are protected
under the U.S. Constitution.
a. Explain the responsibilities of a citizen.
b. Explain the freedoms granted by the Bill of Rights.
c. Explain the concept of due process of law.
d. Describe how the Constitution protects a citizens rights by due
process.

SS5CG2 The student will explain the process by which amendments to

the U.S. Constitution are made.
a. Explain the amendment process outlined in the Constitution.
b. Describe the purpose for the amendment process.

SS5CG4 The student will explain the meaning of e pluribus unum and
the reason it is the motto of the United States.

Essential Questions:

1. How are American citizens guaranteed equal

treatment under the law?
2. How does due process maintain that a citizens
life, liberty, or property cannot be taken away
without a fair trial?
3. What are my rights and responsibilities as a
U.S. citizen?
4. How and why are changes made to the
Constitution?
5. What is the U.S. motto and what does it
mean?

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are

called the Bill of Rights.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights.html

People were concerned that the Constitution gave

the government too much power so the Bill or
Rights was added to help protect peoples
freedoms.
The Constitution became our countrys new system
of government in June of 1788. The Bill Of Rights
were made official in December of 1791.

The 1st Amendment

Freedom of speech, press, and religion

The 2nd Amendment

The

right to bear arms.

The 3rd Amendment

People do not have to allow soldiers to

live in their homes.

The 4th Amendment

The police cannot search or seize your

property without a warrant.

The 5th Amendment

A person accused of a crime:

1. has the right to a fair trial.
2. cannot be tried for the same crime
twice (double jeopardy).
3. does not have to testify against him
or herself in court.
Also known as: DUE PROCESS

The 6th Amendment

1. People accused of a crime have the

right to:
a) a speedy public trial by a jury
b) a lawyer even if they cannot
afford one.
c) be told what crime they are
accused of.

The 7th Amendment

1. People who have a disagreement about

something worth more than $20.00 have
the right to a trial by jury.

The 8th Amendment

1. In most cases accused people can

remain out of jail until their trial if they
pay bail. (Bail is the sum of money they will lose if they do
not show up for their trial.)

2. Courts cannot demand bail that is too

high or punish people in cruel ways.

The 9th Amendment

People

have rights that are not

listed in the Constitution.

The 10th Amendment

Any rights or powers the Constitution

does not give to the Federal government
belong to the states and its people.

Federal

State

Local

Rights vs. Responsibilities

Now that you know what your rights are,

what are your responsibilities?

Brainstorm your ideas on your T-Chart.

Taking part
in elections.
Being an informed
citizen.

Paying taxes.
Helping to defend
the country.

How is the Constitution

Amended?

1. Propose An Amendment
Either Congress or the States can propose an
amendment to the Constitution.

Both Houses of Congress must propose the amendment with a

two-thirds vote. This is how all current amendments have been
offered.

Two-thirds of the State legislatures must call on Congress to

hold a Constitutional Convention.

2/3 vote

Taken from:http://uspolitics.about.com/od/usgovernment/a/amendments.htm

How is the Constitution

Amended? (cont.)

2. Ratify An Amendment
Regardless of how the amendment is proposed, it
must be ratified by the States.

Three-fourths of the State legislatures must approve of the

amendment proposed by Congress, or
Three-fourths of the states must approve the amendment via
ratifying conventions. This method has only been used once, to
repeal Prohibition (21st Amendment).

vote
Taken from:http://uspolitics.about.com/od/usgovernment/a/amendments.htm

Why Do We Amend the Constitution?

Discuss this question with your neighbor

for 1 minute.

Answer:

As our society changes our laws need to change to fit our needs.

Example:

The 15th Amendment was

added in 1870 which allowed
African American men the
right to vote.