Our First Ten Constitutional Amendments 1791 The Bill of Rights Our First Ten Constitutional Amendments 1791
The First Amendment Speech Press Religion Assembly Petition
Why they included it Upset by British restrictions in the colonies during the “intolerable” period before the war – NEVER AGAIN!
Free Speech What it’s NOT:
Free Press What it’s NOT:
Free Assembly What it’s NOT:
The Second Amendment Right of the people to keep and bear arms
Why they included it The belief that a militia was needed to protect yourself from government harassment
Bearing arms What it’s NOT:
The Third Amendment No quartering of soldiers in private homes
Why they included it Protection from harassment by troops
The Fourth Amendment Freedom from unwarranted searches Freedom from unnecessary seizures
Why they included it Protection for you and your property
The Fifth Amendment Due process rights No repeat trial for the same crime No self-incrimination Habeas corpus
Why they included it Protection for you if you are a defendant
The Sixth Amendment Due process rights Speedy trial Impartial jury trial Ability to see who testifies against you Right to an attorney
Why they included it Protection for you if you are a defendant
The Seventh Amendment Due process rights Jury trial in civil cases
Why they included it Protection for you if you are a defendant in a civil (not criminal) case
The Eighth Amendment Due process rights Fair punishment No cruel or unusual punishments
Why they included it Protection for you if you are a defendant
The Ninth and Tenth Amendments Other rights are possessed by states and citizens (even if those rights are not specifically mentioned in the BOR) Ex: Right to travel Right to have children Right to an education Right to own property