Bill of (Your) Rights

Lyrics

Chorus
It’s the Bill of Rights, it’s the bill of your rights
It’s time to take your knowledge up to unfamiliar heights
The thrill of your life, just like riding a bike
You’re never, never, never going to forget the Bill of Rights
(×2)

Verse I
The right to free speech and religion and press
Are guaranteed by Amendment One
Amendment Number Two says it’s true, that it’s all up to you
If you choose to possess a gun

The government can’t force you to house and feed a soldier
Says Amendment Number Three
Amendment Number Four we adore says without a warrant
Your stuff can’t be searched or seized

Chorus

Verse II
Amendment Number Five says the court can’t try you
With evidence they already used
It also says that nobody can make you self-incriminate
You’re allowed to stay silent if you choose.

Amendment Number Six won’t let the criminal clock tick
The rights of the accused continue here, and then
Amendment Number Seven gives you one plus eleven:
A right to a trial by a jury of your peers

If it’s cruel and unusual punishment
It’s ruled out by Amendment Eight
Amendment Number Nine says that other rights are fine
And Ten gives the rest to the states.

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Description

This Bill of Rights song teaches the first ten amendments. It discusses everything from the first amendment's right of free speech and freedom of religion to the tenth amendment. It also mentions the second amendment right to bear arms as well as the fifth amendment prohibition of Double Jeopardy. It also discusses the fourth amendment's prohibition of unlawful search or seizure. The teaching materials at the bottom of the page, including videos, lesson plans, worksheets, and activities help teachers and homeschool parents generate teaching ideas for the song topics. Students will better understand the Bill of Rights and its contents.

This social studies hip-hop song is suitable to help teach the Bill of Rights to elementary school students (4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade), middle school, high school, home school, and college classes.

1. Freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, petition
2. Enumerates the right to keep and bear arms
3. Bans the forced quartering of soldiers
4. Interdiction of unreasonable searches and seizures; a search warrant is required to search persons or property
5. Indictments; due process; self-incrimination; double jeopardy; rules for eminent domain
6. Rights to a fair and speedy public trial, to a notice of accusations, to confront the accuser, to subpoenas, and to counsel
7. Provides for the right to trial by jury in civil cases
8. Bans cruel and unusual punishment, and excessive fines or bail
9. Unenumerated rights
10. Limits the powers of the federal government to only those specifically granted by the constitution

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Related Reading and Activities

Reading

bensguide.gpo.gov
The Bill of Rights
Easy to understand definitions for each of the Amendments. Also links to other sites and pages.
Separate pages for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

archives.gov
Bill of Rights
Extensive history and discourse on the versions of the Bill of Rights, including dissent of George Mason and other attempts to write similar documents. An excellent site for discussion topics and extra credit reports.
Grades 6-12

Ourdocuments.gov
The Bill of Rights
A great site full of information about the writing of the Bill of Rights and related documents. ‘Tools for Educators’ an excellent site for ideas for classroom activities.
Good for grades 6-12

Lesson Plans & Activities

Many of the resources for the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence song pages also have materials for the Bill of Rights.

Ourdocuments.gov
The Bill of Rights (see above under Reading)

Constitutionfacts.com
The Bill of Rights
Lots of facts, games, puzzles and interesting information for grades 6-12. Excellent site for interesting data.

Media

Texaslre.org
Bill of Rights Match Game
This game is available on both elementary and secondary levels. Questions relate to school issues and require an understanding of the issue and the Amendment that applies.

ConstitutionCenter.org
Bill of Rights
Excellent explanations of all of the amendments plus an ability to download and print in other languages. Interactive.

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State Standards

State standards listed here are representative of school standards across the United States.

California

8.2 - Analyze political principles underlying U.S. Constitution. Compare enumerated and implied powers of the federal government.

Florida

SS.8.C.1.5 - Apply rights and principles contained in Constitution and Bill of Rights to lives of citizens today.

Illinois

14.C.3 - Compare historical issues involving rights, roles and status of individuals in relation to municipalities, states and the nation.
14.F.3a - Analyze historical influences on the development of political ideas and practices as enumerated in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Illinois Constitution.
14.F.3b - Describe how United States political ideas and traditions were instituted in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Massachusetts

USI.9 - Explain reasons for passage of Bill of Rights. (H, C)

New York

S.1.I.1 - N.Y. State and U.S. history requires analysis of American culture, diversity/multicultural context and the ways people unified by values/practices/ traditions. (Standard 1)

Texas

8.5 - Understand challenges confronted by gov't and leaders in early years of Republic.
8.16 - Understand American beliefs/ principles reflected in Constitution/ other important historical documents.

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