Who Should Protect Our Fundamental Freedoms?

The effects of incorporation have been far-reaching and the role of the federal government has been significantly transformed. The basic responsibility of the Federal government to protect fundamental rights has not changed. However, citizens and the courts are still working to determine exactly what those rights are and who should protect them. This lesson examines that question and the debate concerning "Who should protect our fundamental freedoms?".

Objectives

• Students will describe fundamental freedoms.
• Students will list the multiple protections provided by the Bill of Rights.
• Students will review Supreme Court incorporation cases.
• Students will assess the constitutional implications of incorporation.
• Students will appreciate the challenges in defining fundamental freedoms.

Student Handouts

• Handout A: Background Essay – Who Should Define Our Fundamental Freedoms?
• Handout B: Attitude Inventory
• Handout C: Fundamental Freedoms?
• Handout D: Incorporation Cases Chart

Teacher Resources

• Who Should Protect Our Fundamental Freedoms? Answer Key