1. Bill of Rights

2. What? Why? When? ?
The Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Why did we need the Bill of Rights?
--The Constitution did not specify the rights of individual people. So before states like Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York agreed to pass this Constitution they wanted some basic rights of the people added. If not for the promised “bill of rights” this Constitution would not have been ratified.
The Bill of Rights was made part of the Constitution in 1791.

3. 1st Amendment
Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, and the right to assembly peaceably.

4. 2nd Amendment
Guarantees the right to organize state militias and bear arms.

5. 3rd Amendment
Prohibits quartering soldiers in private homes during peacetime and limits it in time of war.

6. 4th Amendment
Prohibits the unreasonable search and seizure of persons and property without a valid warrant or just cause.

7. 5th Amendment
Requires a grand jury for serious crimes, prohibits double jeopardy, do not have to testify against oneself, due process of law, government can’t take private property for public use without compensation.

8. 6th Amendment
Guarantees suspects the right to a speedy trail by jury in criminal cases, to know all charges, to question witnesses, and to have counsel.

9. 7th Amendment
Guarantees a jury trial in most civil cases.

10. 8th Amendment
Prohibits excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

11. 9th Amendment
Assures people that they have other basic rights in addition to those mentioned in the Constitution.
These include but are not limited to:
--Right to privacy
--Right to vote
--Right to travel
--Right to marry
--Right to procreate

12. 10th Amendment
Guarantees that rights not given to the US government nor denied to the states are reserved to the states or the people.

13. Review of the Bill of Rights
1st: Freedom of speech, religion, press, and peaceful assembly
2nd:Right to bear arms
3rd: Prohibits the mandatory quartering of soldiers
4th: Prohibits unlawful search and seizure, requires a warrant
5th: Accused persons do not have to testify against themselves.
6th: Right to have counsel and speedy trial
7th: Guarantees trial by jury
8th: No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment
9th: Assures us we have other rights too
10th: Guarantees that states reserve the powers not given to the US government

14. Other Important Amendments
13th: Abolishes slavery
15th: Prohibits denial of voting on basis of race.
18th: Prohibition (no alcoholic beverages)
19th: Women get the right to vote
21st: Repeal of 18th Amendment
24th: Abolition of poll tax
26th: Voting age lowered to 18