1. The Rights of the People
Bill of Rights
The Rights of the People

2. What is the difference between a right and a freedom
Rights are things you have
Rights are things you can do
Government cannot grant rights, they can take away rights
Freedom is the condition of being free
The power to act or speak or think without imposed restraints

3. Bill of Rights First 10 amendments to the Constitution Added in 1791
They guaranteed basic freedoms to the people
They also limited the powers of the federal and state governments

4. Amendment I Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition
Government can’t force a religion upon you; practice what you want or none
Say what you want, but there are limits (ex: can’t threaten the president)
Can gather together as long as no disturbance to public safety
Can complain to/about the government

5. Amendment II
Right to keep and bear arms; states’ right to have militia
Gun control?
Should citizens have weapons or just a “well regulated militia?”

6. Amendment III
Freedom from having to allow soldiers to stay in citizens’ homes in times of peace
Soldiers cannot stay in civilian houses

7. Amendment IV Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures
Property cannot be searched without a warrant
Warrant is approved by a judge and has to describe what is being searched

8. Amendment V
Freedom of being accused of a crime except by grand jury indictment and from being tried twice for the same offense; right to due process
Grand Jury to decide if enough evidence for trial
No Double Jeopardy- person can’t be tried twice for same crime
Plead the 5th- person can’t be forced to testify against himself (self-incrimination)

9. Amendment V continued
Due process of law- certain procedures that those charged with a crime have to go through
Eminent Domain- private property can’t be taken for public use without compensation

10. Amendment VI Right to a fair trial in criminal cases
Speedy and public trial
Have to be told what you are being charged with
Confront witnesses and have witnesses testify on your behalf
May have a lawyer
Miranda Rights

11. Amendment VII Right to a jury trial in most civil cases
Jury trial in cases dealing with money and property

12. Amendment VIII Right to reasonable bail, fines, and punishment
No excessive bail or fines
No cruel or unusual punishment
Death Penalty?

13. Amendment IX Protection of rights not written in the Constitution
Any rights not listed in the Bill of Rights are the people’s rights
Right to privacy

14. Amendment X
Powers not given to federal government reserved for states or people
States rights- any power not given to the federal government are rights for the States to decide unless it goes against the Constitution
Ex: Same-sex marriage, Abortion