1. The Bill Of Rights The First Ten Amendments to the Constitution
Guaranteed that the National Government could not violate our individual rights

2. The First Amendment What does it say?
Congress shall make no law respecting an 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 peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

3. What does this mean?
First Amendment gives American Citizens the right to:
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of the Press
Freedom of Assembly
Freedom of Petition

4. First Amendment – Freedom of Religion
Government cannot interfere with or promote any religion
Creates the separation between Church and state

5. First Amendment
Freedom of Speech
Are there any limits on your speech?

6. First Amendment – Freedom of the Press
The Government cannot interfere with the flow of information and the news
Why might a government want to have control over information?

7. First Amendment – Freedom of Assembly
People may gather or protest if done in a peaceful manner

8. First Amendment – Freedom of Petition
The right of people to make suggestions or complaints against the government

9. Amendment Two
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.

10. What does the Second Amendment Mean?
Creates a National Army
Gives Citizens the right to have a gun to protect themselves
Should gun ownership be restricted? If so, what restrictions are constitutional?

11. Amendment Three
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

12. What does the Third Amendment mean?
The Government cannot force people to house soldiers
Why would this be included in the Bill of Rights?

13. Amendment Four
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

14. Fourth Amendment The right of people against unreasonable searches
This protects peoples Privacy and Property
Authorities must have a warrant issued by a judge in order to search peoples possessions

15. Amendment Five
No persons shall be held to answer for a capitol, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put into jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

16. Amendment Five:
People accused of a crime have rights (Innocent till proven guilty)
people must be charged with a specific crime
You cannot testify against yourself
No double jeopardy: cannot be accused of the same crime twice
Due Process - The government must respect all of the legal rights that are owed to a person

17. Amendment Six
In all Criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

18. The Sixth Amendment - Rights During Criminal Proceedings
Speedy Trial – Cannot be forced to stay in jail without a timely trial
Impartial Jury of the state – Fair jury made up of people the area
The accused needs to be informed of the charges against them
Miranda Rights:
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law..”
Right to an attorney

19. Amendment Seven
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

20. What does the Seventh Amendment mean?
Jury Trial in Civil Cases: Cases that are not criminally related and usually involve private property
Example: Divorce or contract disputes

21. Amendment Eight
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

22. What does the Eight Amendment Mean?
Bail and fine amounts should fit the crime committed
Punishments should also fit the crime
Is the Death Penalty “Cruel and Unusual?”

23. Amendment Nine
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
People have other rights that are not listed in the Constitution

24. Amendment Ten
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

25. Amendment Ten -
All powers not given to the National Government are reserved for the States or the people
Includes: Establishing local governments, administering elections, protecting public health and welfare
(police/firefighters)