This video illustrates in a humorous manner the many rights violations that occur with regard to the fourth amendment as a result of the USA Patriot Act.  Though this Act was put into place after the attacks of 911, the question must be asked, Is this loss of freedom a fair trade for our personal and national security?

Amendment IV

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.

The fourth amendment protects the rights of all citizens, whether law-abiding or criminally motivated. Without such protection, even the most legally conscious citizens might be in danger of arrest and unlawful prosecution. 

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

 

This cartoon explicitly depicts a citizen invoking his rights under the third amendment. Even though there is little likelihood it may ever be an issue, I can see how important this amendment was to the founding fathers and could be to me, especially if I own property in the future. 

 Amendment II

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.

This is among the most controversial amendments in the Bill of Rights.  It is broad in its intent which would garner the assumption that there would be room for adjustment.  Many of the adjustments made have been made at the state and local level. But there continues to be strong debate about the people's right to own and carry weapons, and under what terms.

This video depicts the horror that occurred in Connecticut when a gunman, unchecked with an automatic rifle, walked into a school and began killing innocent children. This is just the latest piece of evidence that some sort of reform to gun laws must be approached and ultimately applied.

Amendment I

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.

This is the first and perhaps the most important amendment to the constitution. The opening sentence confirms the supposition that the government was limited in its actions for and/or against the People, in other words against the Individual.  Freedom of Religion offers two critical points of concern by the founders.  One being the establishment of any religion and the other supporting free choice by an individual to  choose whatever religion desired. Freedom of speech, the right of people to assemble in a peaceful manner, and the ability to complain to and about the government without fear of recourse close out this amendment.

 

Comments from the class about this video.

Comments from the class about this video.

Article VII

The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.

Article VI

1:  All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.
2:  This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
3:  The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.