Books in The Bill of Rights series

"In 1791, the U.S. Congress ratified the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment states, "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." With those words, the Founding Fathers laid the groundwork for a political and social touchstone that is still controversial after more than 200 years. Today, arguments over the true meaning and intention of the Second Amendment play out across our nation"--

The Bill of Rights is one of the most influential documents in American history. These ten amendments safeguard the basic rights that every American has. The First Amendment protects Americans right to speak freely, assemble peacefully, and practice their own religions, and for journalists to write any story they choose. This book delves into the history of the amendment, from its conception to its writers, why it was written, and why it is still so important today. Through clear and exciting text, explanations of the interpretation of the amendment are revealed, as well as important court cases that set its precedent. Primary source documents allow readers to examine the amendments themselves and come up with their own conclusions. Full-color and black-and-white photos help students better understand the document and its creation. Further reading and sidebars encourage students to explore the amendments further, and a glossary helps students master new vocabulary.

Not only is the right to trial by jury outlined in the Constitution, it's also the focus of the Sixth and Seventh Amendments. Why was trial by jury so important to America's founders? How have juries changed since the 18th century? Why are jury trials becoming rarer? This book provides the answers with evidence from historic documents and events. Engaging main text and sidebars interpret the amendments, dissect relevant Supreme Court decisions, and follow the history of American juries. Readers will be empowered to judge the merits of the Sixth and Seventh Amendments for themselves.

"The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution may be one of the most well-known and oft-quoted, and readers will learn why in this information-rich book. Through an in-depth yet age-appropriate examination of the First Amendment, readers will understand why the legal protection of such freedoms as religious expression, speech, and peaceful assembly is so important. Through a close look at the language of the amendment, readers will walk away with an understanding of the law's historical significance and how it affects our lives today"--

Back in the late 1700s, some of the states only ratified the new U.S. Constitution with the provision that lawmakers add a Bill of Rights. In this book, readers will discover how the Third and Fourth Amendments earned inclusion in the Bill of Rights. Complicated political language is simplified, helping readers recognize the amendments at work in modern life. Both amendments reflect the fundamental American values of privacy and personal property. They protect homes, belongings, and even phone conversations. Primary sources, engaging images, and sidebars explore the evolving interpretation of the Third and Fourth Amendments. Student readers will close this book with a new understanding of how these amendments affect young people today.

"In 1791, the U.S. Congress ratified the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment states, "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." With those words, the Founding Fathers laid the groundwork for a political and social touchstone that is still controversial after more than 200 years. Today, arguments over the true meaning and intention of the Second Amendment play out across our nation"--