Find primary source documents and teaching activities related to protecting and expanding rights in America in commemoration of Bill of Rights Day on December 15.
Tag: amending america
Get Ready for Constitution Day!
We have programs and resources to help you teach about the Constitution on Constitution Day or any day!
Freedom of the Press for The Masses
Though freedom of the press is one of our most cherished liberties, fully enjoying it has not always been possible. This is especially true during times of stress for the nation and government.
Freedom of the Press Under Stress
The notion of freedom of the press was tested just a few years after the Bill of Rights when political parties developed in the mid-1790s.
Suspending the Right of Due Process: Japanese-American Relocation during World War II
Engage students in classroom discussions about due process and the Fifth Amendment using primary sources about Japanese-American "relocation" during WWII.
Is the Death Penalty a Cruel and Unusual Punishment?
Document analysis and discussion questions help students examine: What is cruel and unusual punishment? Who decides what is considered cruel and unusual? How can it be measured?
Examining the Second Amendment Using Plain Writing and Historical Context
The Second Amendment might be used to teach plain writing, historical context, and fundamental primary source research.
“Freedom of” or “Freedom From” Religion?
This post is part of our series on the Bill of Rights. We’re highlighting primary sources from our student workbook Putting the Bill of Rights to the Test, that helps students explore core concepts found within the Bill of Rights, and how they’ve impacted American history. This year marks the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the … Continue reading “Freedom of” or “Freedom From” Religion?
Oppressed Women Ask the Government to “Make Amends”
A petition created by Alaska Native women during World War II can help students understand the right of the people to “petition for redress of grievances.”
Freedom to Cover the World Series
Reporter Melissa Ludtke sued the Commissioner of Baseball to gain access to the locker room, calling out 1st amendment-guaranteed freedom of the press and the 14th amendment's equal protection clause.