Fundamental Rights in the United States

Objective: This worksheet aims to teach students about fundamental rights, specifically focusing on the concept of rights for nature and the protection of individual freedoms in the United States. It encourages critical thinking and discussion on these topics.

Content and methods: The worksheet introduces fundamental rights through an article about a river in Ecuador gaining the right to be free from pollution, prompting students to consider if nature should have rights. It includes a writing task for students to express their opinions to a school magazine. The worksheet also provides information on various fundamental rights in the United States and includes true/false questions to test comprehension, as well as a fictional case study to identify violated rights.

Competencies:

Reading comprehension
Critical thinking and evaluation
Opinion formation and expression
Understanding of fundamental rights and their application

Target group: 8th-10th grade

50 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

8th-10th grade

Subjects

GeographyPolitics

Preview

Fundamental Rights in the United States

What are fundamental rights?

Do you know what fundamental rights entail and who is entitled to them? Read this article published in the school magazine "The Brainy Buzz", then discuss its content with the rest of the class.

River in Ecuador Wins Right to Stay Clean!

Hello, Brainy Buzz readers! If you think rivers don't have rights, think again! In July 2024, a court in Ecuador granted the Machángara River the right to be free from pollution. This is a big deal because it's the first time a river in Ecuador got such rights.

Source: amerika21.de

So, what are basic rights? They are the fundamental freedoms and protections everyone should have, like the right to clean water and air. Now, the Machángara River has the right not to be polluted, meaning people can't dump garbage or chemicals into it anymore. This could help protect the river's ecosystem and the animals that live there.

This decision is super important because it shows that even nature deserves protection. Imagine if our school playground had rights! No one could litter or damage the equipment. By giving rivers basic rights, we're saying that they are important and need to be cared for.

But is it fair to give rivers rights? Some people think it's strange because rivers aren't people. However, others believe it’s necessary to protect our environment. What do you think? Should rivers have rights like us? Write to The Brainy Buzz and let us know your opinion!

Which fundamental rights are there?

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Listen to the audio file and answer the questions below.

Violations of fundamental rights

Now read the description of a fictional case in the US where a fundamental right was violated, and try to identify which fundamental right it is. The overview on the next page will help you.

Emma and the Unfair School Rule

Emma is 13 years old and loves reading books and playing the violin. She lives in a small town in Ohio and goes to the local middle school. Emma's family follows a particular religion, and she always wears a small necklace with a symbol of her faith. It's very important to her and makes her feel connected to her family and beliefs.

One day, Emma is sitting in her classroom when the school principal enters and announces a new rule: no student is allowed to wear any religious symbols at school. Emma feels a knot in her stomach. She raises her hand and politely explains that her necklace is a part of her identity and her faith. The principal, however, insists that the rule applies to everyone and that Emma must take it off immediately.

Emma feels a wave of frustration and sadness. She looks around and sees some of her classmates whispering, unsure of what to think. She doesn’t want to break the rules, but she also doesn’t want to give up something so important to her. Emma feels torn and helpless, wondering why she is being forced to choose between her education and her beliefs. She decides to talk to her parents about what happened, hoping they can help her find a way to keep both her faith and her place in school.

Fundamental Rights in the United States

1. Freedom of speech: The right to express one's opinions without censorship or restraint by the government.

2. Freedom of religion: The right to practice any religion or no religion at all without governmental interference.

3. Freedom of the press: The right of journalists to publish news and information without government control.

4. Freedom of assembly: The right to gather peacefully in groups for social, political, or religious purposes.

5. Freedom of petition: The right to make requests or demands of the government without fear of punishment.

6. Right to bear arms: The right to own and carry weapons for personal protection and other lawful purposes.

7. Right to due process: The right to fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

8. Right to a fair trial: The right to be heard by an impartial jury and to have a fair and public hearing.

9. Protection against self-incrimination: The right to refuse to testify against oneself in a criminal case.

10. Protection against double jeopardy: The right not to be tried twice for the same offense.

11. Protection against cruel and unusual punishment: The right to not be subjected to excessively harsh penalties or inhumane treatment.

12. Right to privacy: The right to be free from unwarranted governmental intrusion into personal and private affairs.

13. Equal protection under the law: The right to be treated equally by the law and not to be discriminated against by the government.

14. Right to vote: The right of citizens to participate in the electoral process by casting a ballot.

15. Right to travel: The right to move freely within the country and to enter and leave the United States.