Bill of Rights and the Constitution

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791. Guarantees individual liberties and rights.

The First 10 Amendments:

• First Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

• Second Amendment: Right to bear arms.

• Third Amendment: Protection against quartering of troops.

• Fourth Amendment: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

• Fifth Amendment: Right to due process, protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy.

• Sixth Amendment: Right to a fair trial, notice of accusations, and the right to legal counsel.

• Seventh Amendment: Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

• Eighth Amendment: Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

• Ninth Amendment: Acknowledges that rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution are also protected.

• Tenth Amendment: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Three Branches of Government

• Legislative Branch: Makes laws (Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate).

• Executive Branch: Enforces laws (headed by the President).

• Judicial Branch: Interprets laws (consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts).

  
  

How to Make a Law:

1. Drafting the Bill: A member of Congress proposes an idea for a new law (the bill) which is then drafted in legal language.

2. Introduction: The bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, depending on where the sponsor is a member.

3. Committee Stage: The bill is sent to a committee for review. The committee can hold hearings, amend the bill, or decide not to advance it.

4. Mark Up: If the committee approves the bill, it is "marked up" or amended as necessary before moving forward.

5. Floor Action: The bill is then brought to the floor of its respective chamber (House or Senate) for debate. Members discuss its merits and can propose further amendments.

6. Vote: After debate, the members vote. If the bill passes one chamber, it moves to the other chamber for consideration.

7. Second Chamber Consideration: The second chamber goes through a similar process of committee review, floor debate, and voting.

8. Conference Committee: If there are differences in the versions passed by the two chambers, a conference committee is formed to reconcile the differences.

9. Final Approval: Both chambers must approve the final version of the bill.

10. Presidential Action: The bill is sent to the President, who can sign it into law, veto it, or take no action (a veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate).

11. Becoming Law: If signed by the President or if the veto is overridden, the bill becomes law, and it is assigned a Public Law number.

exectutive branch