The Bill of Rights (-1st)
Honors American Government
Chapter 14, Sections 3 and 4
Using any resource you choose, locate answers for the following questions.
cite at least 2 resources for each set of questions.
You must
The Second Amendment: Research Questions
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4.
5.
In your own words, describe what the 2nd amendment guarantees to Americans.
Why is this controversial?
What parts of the amendment or the right in general have caused debate? Why?
Why does the second amendment apply to the states?
Has the Supreme Court ruled on many cases regarding the 2nd amendment throughout
American history? Provide examples to support your answer.
6. In your opinion, does the right to bear arms extend to every individual? Why or why not?
Sources?
4th Amendment: Research Questions
1. In your own words, describe the protections and requirements laid out in the 4 th
amendment. Are there exceptions to the rules provided there?
2. Explain why the protection provided for in the 4th amendment is important.
3. Describe the conflicting values which are often at stake in 4th amendment controversies.
4. What major Supreme Court decisions have shaped the 4th amendment?
5. Describe what the Exclusionary Rule is, and why it exists. Do you support it? Why or why
not?
6. Explain how the impact of either modern technology or the threat of terrorism have
impacted the 4th amendment.
Sources?
The “Rights of the Accused”
1. List the major rights and protections given in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th amendments.
Collectively, why do you think these are important?
2. Define: double jeopardy, self-incrimination.
3. What does it mean to give “due process” to someone?
4. Explain the concept of just compensation found in the 5th amendment.
5. How have these rights been shaped by “landmark” Supreme Court cases? (Miranda, Gideon,
Escobedo.)
6. How is the death penalty related to the 8th amendment?
7. How did the Furman and Gregg cases, originating in Georgia, impact the use of the death
penalty in the US?
8. Describe the current state of the use of the death penalty in the US. How about worldwide?
Sources?
The 9th Amendment
1. In your own words, describe what the purpose/meaning of the 9th amendment is.
2. Investigate the court cases Griswold vs. Connecticut and Roe vs. Wade. How are these
decisions examples of the power of the 9th amendment?
Sources?
The 14th Amendment
1. Section 1 of the 14th amendment contains many different clauses. Describe the meaning of
the “equal protection” clause.
2. Generally speaking, when can a law make distinctions between groups? Give examples of
such distinctions.
3. What tests has the Supreme Court established to determine when a law makes
unreasonable distinctions between groups?
4. How did Washington vs. Davis affect which laws/practices are actually discriminatory?
5. Explain how the decision in Brown vs. Board of Education was a reflection of the dissenting
opinion in the Plessy vs. Ferguson case.
6. Define affirmative action. Why is this practice controversial?
7. Why might a quota for African-Americans be used in college admissions?
8. In your opinion, what does it mean to have a diverse school/workplace/campus?
Sources?