Rosen Verified: The Bill of Rights

The right to own and carry a gun is one of the most hotly debated topics of the 21st century. How do words written 200 years ago apply in a world where there's another mass shooting in the news every week? This book explores the evolution of the right to bear arms, outlined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights. The book's color graphics and photographs, plus concise fact boxes, will enhance students' understanding of this important debate, as well as basic facts of U.S. history and government.

According to the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights, the federal government has only those powers expressly stated in the Constitution. All other powers are given to the states and the people. This title explores the concept of states' rights, defining the term and examining the ways that the federal government and individual states have clashed throughout our nation's history. Essential concepts in the U.S. government and history curriculum are presented in easy-to-digest chunks, with a focus on engaging struggling readers. Primary sources, graphic organizers, and charts support the text and add to the overall reading experience.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees that Congress "shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech or of the press." But what does that mean? In this easy-to-understand book, readers will learn more about the background and history of the First Amendment and its promises, including freedom of speech. They'll learn what that means-and doesn't mean-and more about common misconceptions about this important right. Accessible text dealing with real-life situations and graphics further explaining the details will draw in anyone interested in knowing about basic American rights.

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects people who have been accused of crimes. It ensures American citizens can receive a "speedy and public trial . . . by an impartial jury." It also ensures that trials will be held in the state in which the alleged crime occurred. Perhaps most significant, the Sixth Amendment says people have a right to a lawyer, even if they can't afford it. The Seventh Amendment extends the right to a trial by jury to federal civil cases. Inside this volume, readers will explore the language and impact of the Sixth and Seventh Amendments and read the history behind these two components of the Bill of Rights. The text is supported by primary sources, fact boxes, and graphics, and provides further resources for readers to learn even more.

You've probably heard the phrase "I plead the fifth" in the news, but what exactly does that mean? Inside this detailed guide, readers will explore the language, history, and impact of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and come to understand how it has served American citizens since the late 1700s. "Pleading the Fifth" is a phrase sometime used in court to mean "I refuse to answer questions because it might be harmful to myself." But the Fifth Amendment also protects citizens in other ways, including the right to be heard by a jury. The manageable text is accompanied by primary sources, graphics, fact boxes, and resources for readers to learn even more about this fascinating topic.

The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights prohibits the use of "cruel and unusual punishment." The interpretation of the phrase, however, was left to the Supreme Court of future years. This easily accessible guide examines the context that inspired the country's founders to include this phrase, as well as court cases that challenged it. Interesting, thought provoking, and age appropriate, this title engages readers' minds while emphasizing the effect of the Constitution on daily life.

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution is more than 200 years old. It was written in response to a very specific action on the part of the British government during the colonial era. So how is it relevant today? This book examines the ways a law written to protect homes, people, and material possessions has changed to adapt to technology that didn't exist at the time it was written. Simply worded text and graphic organizers present this important information in ways designed to appeal to reluctant readers. Colorful photos and contemporary examples help teens to understand how vitally important the Fourth Amendment is today.