The Purpose

One of the purposes of having three separate, but equal, branches of government is so the power and control are spread among the three. Each branch could check the others, or prevent them from stepping beyond the control they were meant to have. This is known as a system of checks and balances.

Sometimes there are amendments, or changes, to the Constitution. The first amendment to the Constitution is actually a group of ten amendments called the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights guarantees all Americans certain freedoms, such as freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to a fair trial.

Reflect and write your response to the situation:

List each of the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and tell how your life would be different today if you did not have that right.