Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Presentations test basic knowledge about how government works; review the rights included in the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution; explore how a judge would weigh the constitutionality of a law being challenged; and delve into two case studies that illuminate the workings of the courts.
Presentations & Activities
Could You Pass the Test?
What’s Not in the Bill of Rights?
Is it Unconstitutional? The Case of the Scarlet Tag
Case Study: Is it Reasonable?
Florida v. Jardines
Could You Pass the Test?
In this activity, participants learn about their role as citizens and increase their knowledge of the U.S. and Florida constitutions. Two different formats are provided. Handouts include Test Your Knowledge bingo and questions from the U.S. Citizenship test. Estimated time to present: 20 to 30 minutes. Below are the links to an overview of the activity, which will guide your presentation, and all accompanying materials including a tip sheet on making a Benchmarks presentation. The overview will guide you in the timing and delivery of the activity.
Could You Pass the Test – Option 1
Could You Pass the Test – Option 2
Citizenship Test without answers
Tips for Making a Good Benchmarks Presentation
What’s Not in the Bill of Rights?
In this activity, participants learn about the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the process for amending the Constitution. Participants will consider proposing a 28th amendment. This is a great presentation for Constitution Week. Four handouts and a PowerPoint are included. Estimated time to present: 40 to 50 minutes. Below are the links to an overview of the activity, which will guide your presentation, and all accompanying materials including a tip sheet on making a Benchmarks presentation.
What’s Not in the Bill of Right Overview
What’s Not in the Bill of Rights
What’s Not in the Bill of Rights – First Ten Amendments
What’s Not in the Bill of Rights – Parts of the U.S. Constitution
What’s Not in the Bill of Rights – Proposal and Evaluation
What’s Not in the Bill of Rights PowerPoint
Tips for Making a Good Benchmark Presentation
Is It Unconstitutional? The Case of the Scarlet Tag
In this activity, participants review the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and examine some factors to determine if a hypothetical law violates the U.S. Constitution. Three handouts are included and a PowerPoint. Estimated time to present: 30 minutes. Below are links to an overview of the activity, which will guide your presentation, and accompanying materials including a background paper and a tip sheet on making a Benchmarks presentation.
Overview of activity and how to present: Scarlet Tag
Is it Unconstitutional? PowerPoint
Tips for Making a Good Benchmark Presentation
Case Study: Is It Reasonable?
This activity explores the courts and the Constitution through a case study. Participants will apply the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and case precedent to a set of facts to experience judicial decision-making and the function of the federal courts. Materials are: An overview of how to present the activity, a PowerPoint, three handouts and a background paper for the presenter. The overview will guide you in the timing and delivery of the activity. A tips sheet for making Benchmarks presentations is included.
Scott v. Harris Facts of the Case
Warm Up Handout: Translate It: Fourth Amendment
Background Material for Presenter
Tips for making a good Benchmarks presentation
Florida v. Jardines
This presentation uses a case study to explore the courts and the U.S. Constitution. Participants apply both the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution and case precedent to a set of facts to experience judicial decision-making.
Overview of the activity and How to Present: Florida v. Jardines: Is a sniff a search
Florida v. Jardines PowerPoint
Warm-up Activity: Privacy Worksheet Drawing the Line