Unit 2 Study Guide

Introduction to the Bill of Rights

American’s experience with the British Government made them skeptical of the United States
Constitution. 

The Bill of Rights are the first 10 Amendments to the United States Constitution. 

First Amendment

Freedom of Speech- gives Americans the right to express themselves without having to worry
about government interference. The most basic component of Freedom of Expression.

The Freedom of the Press- allows people to express themselves through publication.
Libel- a false or defamatory statement.

Freedom of Religion- prohibits the government from establishing a “state” religion.

The Right to Assemble and Petition- protects the freedom to peaceful assembly or petition the
government.

Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. 

Search and seizure is the process by which law enforcement, believing a person may have
committed a crime. 

Warrant- written permission from a court of law to lawfully search and seize evidence while
investigating criminal activity. 

Exceptions- Consent- if a party gives consent to a search, a warrant is not required. 

In Plain View and Open Fields
Exigent Circumstances

Fifth Amendment 
A Grand Jury examines if a case has enough evidence or validity to go to a jury trial.
Double Jeopardy- when a person cannot be prosecuted twice for the same crime or offense. 

Self- Incrimination- Pleading the Fifth; The giving of testimony which will likely subject one to
criminal prosecution. 

Eminent Domain- The right of the government or its agent to expropriate private property for
public use with payment of (just) compensation. 
Sixth Amendment

The Sixth Amendment provides Americans with the opportunity to a speedy trial.
Assistance of Counsel is when one is provided with an attorney for advice and instruction in
law. 

Voting Rights

The Civil Rights Movement- 24th Amendment- 1965 Voting Rights Act

Women’s Suffrage- August 1920- Passage of the 19th Amendment

Originally only white males who owned land had the ability to vote.

Voting age changed from 21 to 18 after the Vietnam War

The two requirements to vote are 18 years of age or older and be an American citizen

The Electoral College

Electoral Vote versus Popular Vote

270 Electoral Votes are required to win out of 538.

Electoral Votes are determined by the United States Census.

Swing states and Battleground states

Presidential Campaigns

Primary and General Elections

Duties and Responsibilities

A Duty is when people obey the law or actions that are required by the law. 
    Paying taxes
    Serving on a Jury
    Attending School

Responsibility is an action that is voluntary but important to do because it benefits the common
good of society.
    Voting 
    Holding Office
    Influencing the Government
    Serving your Community 

Race Relations Post Civil War 

   
The American Civil War occurred due to the issue of slavery.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

The Reconstruction Era was an attempt to rebuild the country after the Civil War and grant civil
rights to freed slaves.

Slavery was abolished through the 13th Amendment.

14th Amendment- guaranteed citizenship to all people born in the United States.

15th Amendment- gave all men the right to vote regardless of race.

Jim Crow Laws 

The Black Codes- strict local and state laws that detailed when, where and how formerly
enslaved people could work, and for how much compensation.

The most ruthless organization of the Jim Crow Era was the Klu Klux Klan that grew into a
secret society that terrorized black communities. 

Examples of Jim Crow Laws and Segregation

    Separate waiting rooms
    Bus and train transportation 
    Restrooms
    Water Fountains
   

The Supreme Court Cases of Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education and how
they are related to the doctrine of Separate but equal.