Week 11: The Bill of Rights

Last week we read through and discussed the Bill of Rights--the first ten amendments to the Constitution. It seems kind of funny that the Constitution had to be amended before many states would ratify it, but that just goes to show how important these rights were to the states.

Speaking of rights...we also learned that the Bill of Rights is a list of negative rights, meaning the amendments are written to explain what Congress cannot do to the people, not what the people can do. 

Remember the difference between an article and amendment: that can trip you up. Also, be sure to write the first ten amendments in your Constitution journal and commit them to memory so you can be prepared to DOMINATE at the Constitution Bowl! (Aaand because it's good to know your rights as a citizen, too!) 

Here's a good video on the first amendment:



ASSIGNMENTS:

WRITING: Debate prep! Come to class with a minimum of 2 full pages of notes and statements defending your position on the following topic:

Is it an infringement of Constitutional rights to ban someone from social media for publishing "misinformation?"

There are a lot of questions you can explore on this topic, such as: 
  • What is "misinformation?" 
  • Who decides to label an idea as "misinformation?" 
  • Do social media companies have the same rights as private citizens? 
  • Can certain types of speech be harmful?
Think about these questions and others as you prepare to debate, and also think about the arguments the opposing team might present that you will need to be prepared to refute.

YEA Team: Braeden, Kellen, Miah, Morgan

NAY Team: Liam, Liya, Noah

*Tip: I found a number of good PragerU videos on YouTube with lots of info on free speech.

QUIZ: Amendments quiz in 2 weeks!

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Amendments 11-14

PRESENTATIONS: Well-done Liam and Liya! I loved the Nellie Bly costume, and the personal connection to Ron Paul! This week we will be pleased to hear from MIAH on Harriet Tubman and from MORGAN on Tim Ballard: two very important abolitionists.

DEVOTIONAL: MORGAN

READING: If you haven't already, work on completing The Tuttle Twins and The Proper Role of Government. Please write in your notebook the similarities in ideas presented in these two documents. Use quotes to support your opinions.

* * * CONSTITUTION BOWL! * * *



  • WHEN: Friday, May 20th, 6:30-8:30pm
  • WHERE: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 13420 94th Ave. E. Puyallup 98373
  • WHAT ELSE: 
    • Dress for success! Slacks, skirts, dress shirts, blouses, sweaters are all appropriate. No jeans, t-shirts or hoodies.
    • Invite your family, close friends, fellow liberty lovers, and anyone who might be interested in taking Key of Liberty in the future. Please contact me with a headcount of your guests.
  • EXTRA HELP NEEDED: 
    • We will provide light refreshments for after the competition. Each family please bring 2 dozen cookies or other treat that can be consumed with minimal mess and without utensils.
    • We will have access to the building at 5:30pm, so if you can come early to set up, we would appreciate the help! 

CANDY TRIVIA:
What is the one circumstance in which it is Constitutionally legal to enslave a person, and in which Amendment can this be found?


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