Second Amendment
8 items
How Has the Second Amendment Been Interpreted?
Lesson - 3 Activities
Lesson
3 Activities
60 Min
For much of American history, the Supreme Court had very little to say about the Second Amendment until 2008 when the Court heard arguments in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. Richard Heller challenged the city's total ban on handguns on Second Amendment grounds. The Court agreed with Heller finding the ban unconstitutional.
60 Min
Discussing Controversial Topics: The Second Amendment
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
In July of 2012, a gunman opened fire in a crowded movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 and wounding 58. In early August of that year, six were killed and three were injured at a Sikh temple outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In late August, a shooter opened fire in front of the Empire State Building, and nine bystanders were wounded in the ensuing shootout with the police. After these tragic events, the debate regarding the interpretation of the Second Amendment again came into the national spotlight in the lead up to the elections in November. Use this activity to discuss this controversial issue with your students.
Teaching the Bill of Rights: The Second Amendment
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
Every day we are inundated with arguments concerning the Second Amendment. Whether it is the various positions of the presidential candidates, referenda and bills in the several states, or comments from the numerous public interest groups on all sides of the issue, it is a conversation that is impossible to avoid.
The Bill of Rights Institute has prepared videos, resources, and activities that will help you incorporate these topics into your classroom!
Teaching the Bill of Rights: The Second Amendment – Part One
Video
Video
3 Min
Teaching the Second Amendment is an important – yet often controversial – classroom experience.
3 Min
Teaching the Bill of Rights: The Second Amendment – Part Two
Video
Video
2 Min
Teaching the 14th Amendment and the concept of Incorporation are important – yet complex – legal and constitutional issues for educators and students. Click HERE for the lesson plans that accompany this video: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/e-l...
As students wrestle with the concepts of individual rights and due process, they are presented with numerous 20th and 21st century examples of how the 14th Amendment has impacted their daily lives. Does the Constitution/14th Amendment permit states to understand the fundamental rights of Americans in fundamentally different ways? Which level of government can best protect those rights? What role does/should the Supreme Court play in this process?
2 Min
The Second Amendment and Traveling with Firearms
E Lesson
E Lesson
20 Min
The Supreme Court has not heard a case concerning the Second Amendment for nearly a decade, leading Justice Clarence Thomas to deem it a “constitutional orphan.” However, with the retirement of the moderate Justice Anthony Kennedy-and the appointment of the more pro-gun rights Justice Kavanaugh- the high court has now decided to hear a case on firearms.