The Freedoms
In this module you will view a presentation which explains the first 3 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Then you will consider 10 scenarios and determine if these scenarios are permitted or not permitted under the amendments.
Summary Constitutional Amendments 1-3 of the Bill of Rights
- Freedom of Religion, Press, Speech, Petition and Assembly
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting (stopping) the free exercise thereof; or stopping the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble (gather), and to petition the Government for grievances. - Right to Bear Arms
A well regulated Militia (military), being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed (stopped). - Quartering of Soldiers.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war.
ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS
1. Watch the video to learn more about the first 3 Amendments to the Constitution.
2. Supreme Court Case
Issue…
Let’s be Supreme Court Judges (Justices)- This is a real case that went before the
US Supreme Court. Today you are going to decide what the ruling should be.
Then we will find out if you made the correct decision.
Freedom of Religion
Torcaso v. Watkins, 367 U.S. 488 (1961)
The state of Maryland had a law saying that everyone who wanted a
job in the state government had to swear that he or she believed in God.
A man named Torcaso applied for a job as a government official.
He was denied the job because he would not say that he believed in God.
Mr. Torcaso said that the Maryland law was unconstitutional because it limited his
freedom of religion.
He said that freedom of religion meant the freedom to believe in God or
not to believe in God, as a person wishes.
What do you think the Supreme Court decided? Why? List your reasons and post on the blog.
3. Literature Connection
In this final activity, you will be introduced to literature which addresses amendments 1-3.
For example, the story Stone Soup might bring to mind amendment 3.
Stone Soup from David Cullen on Vimeo.