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| − | '''American Government'''
| + | {{Government Lectures}} |
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| − | <under development - | + | <under development> |
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| − | This lecture reviews the major legislation and court decisions that shape our government at the federal and state levels.
| + | We take another look at the U.S. Constitution this week, including the most important U.S. Supreme Court decisions over the last 220+ years that have interpreted it. |
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| | + | Recall the Bill of Rights -- the first ten amendments to the Constitution -- and how important they are. The First Amendment has been the subject of the greatest number of Supreme Court decisions, and the Fourth Amendment not far behind. |
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| | + | In review, the First Amendment includes: |
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| − | ==Introduction==
| + | *the Establishment Clause, which is used by atheists to prohibit classroom prayer and religious symbols on government property |
| | + | *the free speech clause, which is used by both sides of the political spectrum |
| | + | *other freedoms, such as freedom of the press, the right to assemble, the right to petition government, and the implied "freedom of association": |
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| | + | The Fourth Amendment is important because it provides some protection against government searches of homes, cars, and other personal property (unless a resident consents or there is a search warrant) |
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| | + | Among the other Bill of Right, the most important are: |
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| | + | *the Second Amendment, which protects the right to "keep and bear arms" (have guns) |
| | + | *the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, which protect the right of criminal defendants in investigations and trials, including the right to a public jury trial |
| | + | *the Seventh Amendment, which provides the right to a jury trial in civil (non-criminal) cases |
| | + | *the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment |
| | + | *the Tenth Amendment, which protects the rights of the States and the people except when powers are expressly given to the federal (national) government |
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| | + | There are a total of 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, so there are 17 amendments in addition to the Bill of Rights. Let's consider them next. |
| | This class contains many of the most publicized and controversial issues of the entire course. As the 10th out of 15th lectures, now is a good time to address these topics. After today you will have a long Thanksgiving break to think about them. | | This class contains many of the most publicized and controversial issues of the entire course. As the 10th out of 15th lectures, now is a good time to address these topics. After today you will have a long Thanksgiving break to think about them. |
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