Da VIP Academy / GED / Social Studies / Civics & Government
Rights & Civic Responsibility
Identify constitutional rights and the responsibilities of citizenship.
How it works
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments protect speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition (1st); limit searches (4th); guarantee due process (5th) and a fair, speedy trial (6th).
Expanding the vote
The 13th ended slavery, the 14th guaranteed equal protection, the 15th barred race-based voting denial, the 19th secured women's suffrage, and the 26th lowered the voting age to 18.
Worked examples
Police search a home without a warrant or consent. Which amendment is at issue?
- The issue is an unreasonable search.
- That is the 4th Amendment.
- Evidence may be excluded as a result.
Words to know
- Due process
- Fair legal procedures before government takes life, liberty, or property.
- Equal protection
- The 14th Amendment guarantee of equal treatment under the law.
Test-day tips
- • Rights come with responsibilities: voting, jury service, obeying laws, staying informed.