1. Bill of
Rights

2. News can report what it wants
1st Amendment
-Freedoms
Speech
To say what you want
Press
News can report what it wants
Religion
Can be whatever religion you choose
Assembly
Can gather in groups
Petition
Can ask your government for things
The First Amendment protects all Americans’ freedom of speech, which includes speaking freely against the actions of our government. What happens to people who try to exercise this right in other countries?

3. 2nd Amendment
-bear arms
Ability to own and use weapons
Still debated today over whether this means for military or private use

4. 3rd Amendment
-No forced housing of soldiers
Citizens do not have to house or feed soldiers during peacetime

5. 4th Amendment
-no illegal searches or seizures
To combat British writs of assistance
-right to privacy
Police must have probable cause and must obtain a search warrant to enter your home

6. 5th Amendment Rights of the accused -due process
Every person must be treated equally in court; court must use same rules for every person
-eminent domain
The government cannot take private property without paying for it
-grand jury
Decides if there is enough evidence to indict and formally have a trial
-no double jeopardy
Cannot be put on trial for the same crime twice
-right to remain silent
Protection against self-incrimination

7. 6th Amendment -speedy public trial
Trial must begin quickly and must be held in public
-right to a lawyer
-jury trial
Impartial jury of your peers is to hear and decide your case
-informed of charges
Right to know what you are being tried for
-question all witnesses

8. 7th Amendment
-Jury trial in all civil cases
Right to use a jury in a lawsuit that is over $20

9. 8th Amendment
-no excessive bails and fines
Bail: money you pay to get out of prison until your trial
Bail must fit the crime
-no cruel and unusual punishments
Punishment must fit the crime
Continued debate over death penalty

10. 9th Amendment
-all rights not listed are still protected
Not all of people’s rights are listed in Constitution
People have more rights
Right to privacy

11. 10th Amendment
-all powers not given to the National Gov’t are reserved for the states
States wanted to keep some power in new Constitution to keep federal gov. from getting too strong
Reserved Powers