1. The Bill of Rights

2. Background Constitution was ratified in 1790
Anti-federalists’ chief complaints
lacked individual bill of rights protecting citizens from gov abuse
Author James Madison
Originally proposed 12 amendments
1791 ten were approved
They became known as The Bill of Rights

3. AMENDMENT 1: RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL FREEDOM
Congress shall make no law establishing a religion, or prohibit free exercise thereof
Nor prohibit freedom of speech, or the press, or the right to peacefully assemble, or the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances

4. AMENDMENT 2: RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
“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”

5. AMENDMENT 3: QUARTERING TROOPS
“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 prescribed by law.”

6. AMENDMENT 4: SEARCH AND SEIZURE
The right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated
No warrants without probable cause

7. AMENDMENT 5: RIGHTS OF ACCUSED PERSONS
Oliver North took the 5th at the Iran-Contra hearings
You don’t have to testify against yourself in a court of law (“Take the 5th”),nor can you be tried twice for the same crime (Double Jeopardy)
Due Process of law must be followed, including Grand Jury review of case
North

8. AMENDMENT 6: RIGHT TO A SPEEDY, PUBLIC TRIAL
In all criminal cases, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury from where the crime was committed
The accused will be informed about the nature of the charges, be able to confront witnesses against him, shall be able to have witnesses support him, and shall have the services of a lawyer
All accused persons have a right to be defended by an attorney

9. AMENDMENT 7: TRIAL BY JURY IN CIVIL CASES
In civil cases exceeding the value of $20.00, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved
“A jury of your peers”

10. AMENDMENT 8: LIMITS OF FINES AND PUNISHMENT
“Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted”
The “Rack”
Tar and feathering

11. AMENDMENT 9: RIGHTS OF PEOPLE
“The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people”
Just because of right isn’t mentioned in the Constitution doesn’t mean it can be denied to the people

12. AMENDMENT 10: POWERS OF STATES & PEOPLE
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.”
Any power not delegated to the feds are reserved to the States or to the people.