Overview
After completing the Required Unit Resources for Unit IV, carefully read the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The transcripts of these important documents can be found at the following websites:
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). The Constitution of the Unites States: A transcription.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). The Bill of Rights.
Ratified in 1788, the U.S. Constitution is made up of a Preamble and seven articles that describe the way the United States’ government is structured and how it operates. Ratified in 1791, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights, which guarantee essential rights and civil liberties not specified in the U.S. Constitution.
After reading the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, respond to each of the following:
- Select one of the 10 amendments that constitutes the Bill of Rights and explain why you believe is the most important.
- Explain why you believe the founding fathers and voting citizenry chose to incorporate this amendment in 1791.
- Explain, in your perspective, if the meaning and impact of the amendment you selected has changed over the past 225 years. If the amendment's meaning and impact has not changed, explain why you believe it hasn't changed. Regardless of your position, use contemporary (of today) examples to support your position.