2. The Bill of Rights
Constitution allows for changes (amendments) – first ten known as the Bill of Rights
protect people from gov’t
Bill of Rights ratified (approved)
December 15, 1791

3. First Amendment (“Five Freedoms”)
Freedom of
religion
speech
press
assembly (gather)
petition (protest)

4. Second Amendment
right to bear arms

5. Third Amendment
cannot be forced to keep soldiers in homes during peacetime

6. Fourth Amendment
protection from illegal searches and seizure
police need a reason to search you or your property (probable cause)

7. Fifth Amendment person cannot be forced to admit they are guilty
person cannot be tried for the same crime twice
due process of law (gov’t must follow the rules when putting someone on trial)
eminent domain (gov’t can purchase your house)

8. Sixth Amendment
right to trial by jury
right to speedy trial

9. Seventh Amendment
right to jury trial in civil cases involving more than $20

10. Eighth Amendment freedom from cruel and unusual punishment
no excessive fines or bail

11. Ninth Amendment
people have rights that might not be listed in the Constitution
privacy
liberty

12. Tenth Amendment
there are powers that only the states have (reserved powers)
speed limits
education
marriage
driver’s license