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Language
English
Description
This program discusses the history of the "right to bear arms" Amendment. It details the controversy over the amendment as it relates to current gun control laws. Numerous court cases are cited as experts present both sides of the issue in this thorough and evenhanded analysis of the meaning of the 2nd Amendment.
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English
Description
Brief animations introduce key issues in this look back at the Bill of Rights. A host weaves together past and present, while civics experts explore the complexity of the issue of individual rights versus common good. Related topics include hate speech, school newspapers, random drug testing, gun control, and terrorism. Historical segments discuss Colonial Militias, the Intolerable Acts, Freedom of Worship, the Rights of Accused Persons, and the origins...
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English
Description
This program is an indispensable tool for helping students to understand the constitutional amendment process and to see its importance in their own lives. It defines what an amendment is, explains why amendments have been needed down through the centuries, and describes the process for proposing and ratifying an amendment. Amendments used as illustrations of the process of changing the Constitution have been carefully selected for their interest...
Language
English
Description
This is a compelling account of the events leading up to the creation of the Constitution. Conforming to civics and history curriculums, the program puts key events into historical perspective by examining the pressures faced by Loyalists, Patriots, and average colonists. Richly textured with historical art, compelling video footage, and insightful commentary, it explores a fascinating mix of individuals, political philosophers, and social issues...
6) Human rights
Language
English
Description
This program sets two crucial human rights-related Constitutional amendments within the context of their historical times: Amendment 13, abolishing slavery throughout the U.S., and Amendment 14, defining U.S. citizenship and stipulating due process and equal protection under the law. Four additional amendments-11, judicial powers construed; 16, federal income tax; and 18 and 21, Prohibition and its repeal-are included as well. Correlates to all applicable...
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English
Description
Who determines what the Constitution means: the Supreme Court, Congress, or the President? This 1803 case established the judiciary's authority to interpret the Constitution. Marshall's insistence on the principle of "judicial review" of acts of Congress brought him into conflict with President Thomas Jefferson, but established the court's responsibility.
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English
Description
The origins and historical context of the 4th Amendment are outlined along with a detailed explanation of "probable cause" and search warrant contents and requirements. Present-day situations and court cases are cited to illustrate the main challenge of interpreting the 4th Amendment-how do we find the balance between protecting society from criminal behavior and upholding individual rights to privacy and freedom from unreasonable searches?
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English
Description
This program examines the legal issues relevant to the 13th Amendment and the controversy surrounding its passage. Legal experts explain the basis of the debate; historical reenactments of those debates provide viewers with insights into its social and economic underpinnings.
10) Gibbons v. Ogden
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English
Description
Does the Constitution give the states or Congress the right to regulate commerce? In 1818, a steamboat was ordered to leave New York waters because it had no license to operate within the state. In this case, the Marshall court ruled that the federal government did have the power to regulate commerce and in so doing laid the foundation for a unified American common market.
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English
Description
This program from the acclaimed Cambridge Educational series The Amendments to the Constitution thoroughly analyzes the history and text of the First Amendment. Experts, including Dr. Nadine Strossen, President of the American Civil Liberties Union, discuss their interpretation of the Amendment and the freedoms it guarantees. Numerous court cases are cited, including those that led to the "clear and present danger" test and the "Brandenburg Standard"...
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English
Description
How has the Supreme Court reinforced the Constitution's requirement for a strong federal government? Can the states interfere with or tax the legitimate activities of the federal government? This unpopular decision dealt a blow to states' rights by reaffirming the validity of the federal government to charter a bank (in Maryland) and striking down the state's attempts to tax this federally established institution.
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English
Description
The U.S. Constitution is the world's oldest written charter of government in continuous effect. Much of the success of this document can be attributed to the way the Constitution has changed to meet the needs of the American people. The framers of the Constitution wisely anticipated the need to make changes to the Constitution as the world itself changed. Between 1787, when the Constitution was written, and the present time, thousands of proposed...
14) It's the Law
Language
English
Description
The laws of the criminal justice system are primarily framed by the Constitution, which sets the standards of due process. In this program, lawyers, prosecutors, and judges explain the differences between misdemeanors and felonies, the various degrees of crimes, and the elements of a crime. Investigation procedures in the gathering of evidence and statements are discussed. Legal experts and police officers clearly illustrate such concepts as 5th Amendment...
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English
Description
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex. The wording of the 19th Amendment is as unflinchingly clear as the obstacles to its passage-sexism; cultural, political, and social prejudices; and even timidity on the part of women reluctant to challenge the status quo. This program examines the struggle of the women's suffrage movement and its role in the eventual...
Language
English
Description
Is American citizenship all about personal freedom and the rights of the individual? Or should the concept of the "good citizen" take precedence, underscoring the duties and contributions an individual owes to society? Where does immigration fit in? This program helps students sift through various meanings of American citizenship and the historical forces that have shaped it. With energetic visuals, expert interviews, and examples from past political...
Language
English
Description
This program thoroughly analyzes the text of Amendments 5, 6, 7, and 8 to provide a complete understanding of the laws that are the foundation of the American criminal justice system. Specific rights outlined in the 5th Amendment that are explained include: the grand jury and indictment process, "double jeopardy," self-incrimination and "the right to remain silent," and due process of law. The rights guaranteed in the 6th Amendment for the accused...
Language
English
Description
The U.S. Constitution is the world's oldest written charter of government in continuous effect. Much of the success of this document can be attributed to the way the Constitution has changed to meet the needs of the American people. The framers of the Constitution wisely anticipated the need to make changes to the Constitution as the world itself changed. Between 1787, when the Constitution was written, and the present time, thousands of proposed...
Language
English
Description
It upholds freedom of speech and religion, guarantees a free press, grants the right to keep and bear arms, preserves the right of trial by jury, establishes states' rights, and more. It's the Bill of Rights. This program presents the ten key Constitutional amendments that have defined the fundamental liberties that are the American birthright-and examines the controversies and challenges they have withstood. Correlates to all applicable state and...
Language
English
Description
The U.S. Constitution is the world's oldest written charter of government in continuous effect. Much of the success of this document can be attributed to the way the Constitution has changed to meet the needs of the American people. The framers of the Constitution wisely anticipated the need to make changes to the Constitution as the world itself changed. Between 1787, when the Constitution was written, and the present time, thousands of proposed...