Civil Liberties and the Bill of Rights

Questions and Answers

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution because ________.

It was part of the Articles of Confederation

Alexander Hamilton believed it was necessary

Key states refused to ratify the Constitution unless it was added (correct)

It was originally part of the Declaration of Independence

An example of a right explicitly protected by the Constitution as drafted at the Constitutional Convention is the ________.

Right to keep and bear arms

Right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment

Right to a writ of habeas corpus (correct)

Right to free speech

The Fourteenth Amendment was critically important for civil liberties because it ________.

Guaranteed freed slaves the right to vote

Allowed the states to continue to enact black codes

Outlawed slavery

Helped start the process of selective incorporation of the Bill of Rights (correct)

Which of the following provisions is not part of the First Amendment?

The right to keep and bear arms Signup and view all the answers

The Third Amendment can be thought of as ________.

Forming part of a broader conception of privacy in the home that is also protected by the Second and Fourth Amendments Signup and view all the answers

The Fourth Amendment's requirement for a warrant ________.

Does not apply when there is a serious risk that evidence will be destroyed before a warrant can be issued Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court case known as Kelo v. City of New London was controversial because it ________.

Allowed greater use of the power of eminent domain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights is not protected by the Sixth Amendment?

The right to remain silent Signup and view all the answers

The double jeopardy rule in the Bill of Rights forbids which of the following?

None of these options Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court has decided that the death penalty ________.

May not be applied to those who were under 18 when they committed a crime Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights is not explicitly protected by some state constitutions?

The right to polygamous marriage Signup and view all the answers

The right to privacy has been controversial for all the following reasons except ________.

Most U.S. citizens today believe the government should be allowed to outlaw birth control Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Bill of Rights and Ratification

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to secure ratification from key states that refused to adopt it without these protections.

Constitutional Rights

The Constitution, as drafted, explicitly protected the right to a writ of habeas corpus among other civil liberties.

Fourteenth Amendment's Impact

The Fourteenth Amendment was pivotal for civil liberties, initiating the selective incorporation of the Bill of Rights to apply at the state level.

First Amendment Provisions

The First Amendment guarantees rights like freedom of religion, free speech, and peaceful assembly, but does not include the right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment and Privacy

The Third Amendment contributes to a broader understanding of privacy in the home, alongside the Second and Fourth Amendments.

Fourth Amendment and Warrants

The requirement for a warrant under the Fourth Amendment does not apply in scenarios where evidence may be destroyed before a warrant can be obtained.

Kelo v. City of New London

The Supreme Court's decision in Kelo v. City of New London sparked controversy by expanding the government's use of eminent domain.

Sixth Amendment Protections

The Sixth Amendment ensures rights related to trial and legal representation but does not explicitly include the right to remain silent.

Double Jeopardy

The double jeopardy rule prohibits the prosecution of an individual for the same crime in both state and federal courts after acquittal.

Death Penalty Limitations

The Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty cannot be imposed on individuals who were under the age of 18 at the time of their offense.

Rights in State Constitutions

Not all rights, such as the right to polygamous marriage, are explicitly protected in state constitutions.

Controversy Surrounding Privacy

The right to privacy is contentious primarily because it is not clearly stated in the Constitution, and its application has influenced significant legal decisions, including abortion rights. Despite this, a majority of citizens do not support banning birth control by the government.

Description

Explore the critical elements of the Bill of Rights and its impact on civil liberties, including the Fourteenth Amendment's role in selective incorporation. This quiz covers essential rights such as those ensured by the First, Third, and Fourth Amendments. Test your knowledge of constitutional protections and their implications for American democracy.