1. Our First Ten Constitutional Amendments 1791
The Bill of Rights
Our First Ten Constitutional Amendments
1791

2. The First Amendment
Speech
Press
Religion
Assembly
Petition

3. Why they included it
Upset by British restrictions in the colonies during the “intolerable” period before the war – NEVER AGAIN!

4. Free Speech
What it’s NOT:

5. Free Press
What it’s NOT:

6. Free Assembly
What it’s NOT:

7. The Second Amendment
Right of the people to keep and bear arms

8. Why they included it
The belief that a militia was needed to protect yourself from government harassment

9. Bearing arms
What it’s NOT:

10. The Third Amendment
No quartering of soldiers in private homes

11. Why they included it
Protection from harassment by troops

12. The Fourth Amendment Freedom from unwarranted searches
Freedom from unnecessary seizures

13. Why they included it
Protection for you and your property

14. The Fifth Amendment Due process rights
No repeat trial for the same crime
No self-incrimination
Habeas corpus

15. Why they included it
Protection for you if you are a defendant

16. The Sixth Amendment Due process rights Speedy trial
Impartial jury trial
Ability to see who testifies against you
Right to an attorney

17. Why they included it
Protection for you if you are a defendant

18. The Seventh Amendment
Due process rights
Jury trial in civil cases

19. Why they included it
Protection for you if you are a defendant in a civil (not criminal) case

20. The Eighth Amendment Due process rights Fair punishment
No cruel or unusual punishments

21. Why they included it
Protection for you if you are a defendant

22. 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