Today’s Civics & Leadership Play of the Day from the Ripken Playbook, inspired by the Healthy Choices, Healthy Children—Civics & Leadership edition, will teach you about the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and get you thinking about your own Bill of Rights!
What is the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments, or “changes,” to the U.S. Constitution added in 1791. Written by James Madison, U.S. Founding Father and the 4th President of the U.S., the Bill of Rights expanded the freedoms and individual liberties of U.S. citizens.
What are the first, 10 Amendments?
- First Amendment – Protects freedom of religion and speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government.
- Second Amendment – Protects the right to bear arms (own weapons).
- Third Amendment – During times of peace, no citizen is required to house a U.S. soldier.
- Fourth through Eighth Amendments– Protect the legal rights of U.S. citizens, including protecting the right to a fair trial and that anyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty.
- Ninth & Tenth Amendments – Protect the powers of the people and limits the powers of the Federal government to those written in the Constitution.
Think About It!
Do you watch the news? Do you go to church, synagogue, or mosque with your family? Have you written a letter to your Congressman? These are all rights we exercise everyday, even without realizing, because they are protected by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Now that you have learned the basics about the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution, today’s Play of the Day asks you to create your own Bill of Rights!
Materials
- Paper
- Pencil or pen
Instructions
- Create your own Bill of Rights! Write a list of 10 freedoms you believe are important for every U.S. citizen to have. Reread the Bill of Rights above and use it as an example!
- Share your own Bill of Rights with a friend or family member. Explain to them why the freedoms protected in your Bill of Rights are important.
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