Constitution week challenge.

September 17-23 is Constitution Week. It marks the anniversary of when the founders of our nation signed the law of the land on Sept. 17, 1787. The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights, adopted in 1791, protect certain basic freedoms and individual rights.

Find a copy of the Bill of Rights in a history textbook or an encyclopedia. Read the document carefully; then use what you have learned to complete the exercise below. Next to each sentence, write the number of the amendment that the sentence describes.

--1. This amendment provides protection against "unreasonable searches and seizures."

--2. This amendment guarantees the right to a trial by jury in most cases.

--3. This amendment grants people the right to assemble peaceably.

--4. This amendment protects citizens against "cruel and unusual punishments."

--5. This amendment guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press.

--6. This amendment grants people on trial the right to remain silent if they feel something they say could be used to incriminate them.

--7. This amendment grew out of the Colonists' resentment at being forced to quarter, or house, British soldiers in their homes.

--8. This amendment guarantees the right to a "speedy and public trial."

--9. This amendment requires the government to obtain a court-issued warrant before searching a home.

--10. This amendment protects "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms."

--11. This amendment reassures people that even though some rights are not listed in the Bill of Rights, people still have them.

--12. This amendment declares that the federal government possesses only the powers it is given by the Constitution.

--13. This amendment states that people have the right to criticize public figures, such as the president, without fear of retribution.

--14. This amendment ensures that people do not have to stand trial for the same charge more than once.

--15. This amendment guarantees people the right to have a lawyer or someone trained in the law defend them in court.

Extra credit: How many amendments to the Constitution are there today?--

ANSWERS

TEACHER'S GUIDE

Constitution Challenge 1. Fourth, 2. Sixth, 3. First, 4. Eighth, 5. First, 6. Fifth, 7. Third, 8. Sixth, 9. Fourth, 10. Second, 11. Ninth, 12. Tenth, 13. First, 14. Fifth, 15. Sixth, Extra Credit: 27