Download Lesson 2 The Bill of Rights

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INTERACTIVE SUMMARY
Date
CHAPTER 6, LESSON 2
The Bill of Rights
Changing the Constitution
United States citizens were concerned about protecting
their rights. In 1735, New Yorker John Peter Zenger had
won an important case for freedom of the press. Many
people wanted freedom of the press included in the
Constitution. Some states, including New York, wanted to
add amendments, or additions to the Constitution. James
Madison wrote 12 amendments that guaranteed certain
freedoms and rights. In 1791, the states approved 10 of
these amendments, and they became known as the Bill
of Rights. This list of amendments protects rights such
as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of
religion, and the right to assemble. The Bill of Rights
also gives citizens the right to ask the government to
change laws.
Unequal Rights
Not everyone living in the United States could enjoy equal
rights when the country began. Laws prevented African
Americans from voting. The Constitution also allowed
slavery to continue. Women could not vote, and in some
areas they could not serve in the government or own land
or businesses. Over time, many people fought for equal
rights. Amendments were added to the Constitution to
guarantee the voting rights of all men and women.
Find and underline a form of
each vocabulary word.
amendment noun, a change
to the Constitution
bill noun, a law that has
been suggested, or a law
that has been passed.
Who wrote the Bill of
Rights? Highlight the
sentences that tell the
answer.
What prevented African
Americans from voting?
Circle the sentence that tells
the answer.
SKILL
Reading Charts
What rights does the Bill of
Rights protect? Cross out
the right or freedom that the
Bill of Rights does not protect.
Rights Protected Under Bill of Rights
freedom of speech
right of all men and women to vote
freedom of religion
right to assemble
right to ask government to change laws
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