The Bill of Rights The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution

1 st Freedom of religion, press, speech, assembly, petition Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition government for a redress of grievances.

2nd Right to keep and bear arms A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

3 rd Quartering of soldiers in peacetime No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

4 th Freedom from Search The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath of affirmation… Search is permitted with a warrant. Cars, planes, ships, lockers, etc. Can be searched without a warrant.

5 th Protection of Accused Grand jury Do not have to testify against oneself Due process of law Cannot take private property for public use without compensation

6 th Rights of Accused Persons Speedy and public trial Impartial jury Be informed of the accusation Witnesses both for and against Assistance of counsel for defense

7 th Trial By Jury

8 th No excessive fines or cruel punishment Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

9 th Other rights retained by the people

10 th Powers reserved for the states and people The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, or prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. (education, marriage, divorce, etc.)