Chapter 15 –
The Bill of Rights
What are the basic rights and freedoms of
the American people?

Objectives (I can):


identify the key rights protected under the Bill of Rights.
explain the responsibilities a person has as an American citizen.
Intro Think about your rights and freedoms.
 Discuss what you and your families can choose to do in the
United States.

Examples might include: where you live, how you dress,
religious practices, hobbies, jobs, books you can read, TV
shows/movies you can watch, etc.
What are the basic rights and freedoms of
the American people?

Many of our rights and freedoms as Americans - because of
the Bill of Rights - make it possible for us to have these
choices.

What are some things you do NOT have the right to do.
Why???


Some laws restrict our freedoms in order to protect the
rights of all people in society (or for the common good).

Examples – stealing, speeding, injuring others, smoking in restricted
areas, and other illegal acts.
Bill of Rights

In this chapter you will learn WHY a bill of rights was
important to Americans, especially given their experiences
with British rule before and during the American Revolution.
Look at the picture on page 201 –
“The Bill of Rights: A Protective Shield”





Who does the person on the right represent?
Who do the people on the left represent?
What does the shield represent?
In what ways do you think the Bill of Rights is like a protective
shield?
Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights (represented by the shield) protects key
rights of all citizens (represented by the people on the left)
against the power of the government (represented by Uncle
Sam on the right).

In this chapter you will learn about the basic rights and
liberties (or freedoms) protected by the Bill of Rights.

Let’s read pg. 201.
Bill of Rights

Turn to page 205 – look at the picture at the top of the page.

What do you see here?
Where does this scene take place?
What are the British soldiers doing?
How do you think the colonists feel?
Why do you think Americans wanted to have guaranteed rights for
citizens in the new nation?





We are learning why a bill of rights was important to
Americans, especially given their experiences with
British rule (King George III) before and during the
American Revolution.
Bill of Rights

Let’s read page 202.

As a successful student, I highly recommend you write notes,
with key words/phrases that summarize each section you read!

Remember, the Bill of Rights was written primarily
to ensure that the national government did not have
too much power.

It protected American citizens from abuses of power
by their government.
Bill of Rights – Reading Notes 15 worksheet

With a partner, complete the “Bill of Rights” Reading Notes 15
worksheet.

It’s like figuring out a puzzle.

First, read Section 15.3, you must examine the illustrations on
the shield and determine which part of the shield represents the
First Amendment.

Determine which specific right each individual illustration
represents.

Next, raise your hand when you’re finished, so I can check it off.

Then, continue to read each section (Ch. 15), until you’ve
successfully completed your worksheet.