UNIT TWO ESSAY: DUE October 28

CHOOSE ONE of the civil rights introduced in this unit that you feel is one of the most important to protect for future generations and that you may feel is in danger of being undermined. Write a brief, well-organized, academic essay (1 - 2 pages long double-spaced, typed, 1 inch margins) that discusses the following:

  • Its Past: The sources of the civil right you choose-- including its philosophical, constitutional, and legal heritage*
  • Its Present: The present-day importance of the civil right you choose -- drawing from personal and/or historical examples
  • Its Future: Challenges that you foresee on the horizon to keeping the civil right you choose strong for future generations and/or implications if it is restricted or removed

*Suggestion: Once you choose your focus concept, re-read the appropriate section of the text to make sure you truly understand what it's supposed to be, where it comes from, and why we have it. It is appropriate to look beyond the textbook to find information about your chosen civil right (a.k.a. "research") but the focus of the essay should be your own ideas and interests, rather than a "report" of your findings. Use information from the text and other sources to better understand your chosen civil right, but don't dwell on it.

The Bill of Rights & Other Amendments Related to Civil Rights

Terms in red below may become the focus of your essay. Use the appropriate constitutional amendment to begin your thoughts and investigations on the topic you choose.

1st Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
2nd Amendment A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
4th Amendment The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
5th Amendment No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
6th Amendment In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
8th Amendment Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
13th Amendment Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction .
14th Amendment All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
15th Amendment The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
19th Amendment The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
24th Amendment The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
26th Amendment The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Links of interest

Exploring Constitutional Law, from University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School

The Bill of Rights in Debate, from Facts.com, Issues & Controversies -- If this link takes you to a login page, follow the instructions below to reach page instead:

  • Click on link to Digital Learning Commons
  • Choose DLC Library link under "For Students" section
  • Choose Facts On File News Service from links at left of screen
  • Choose Issues and Controversies from list of news digests at center of screen
  • Choose Bill of Rights in Debate under "Special Features" in area at right of screen

Current issues in Civil Rights

 
 

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