  Purposely difficult  Two step process: Proposal & Ratification  Only 27 amendments Amending Process

  1791, ten amendments were ratified to the new Constitution  Initially aimed at national level, later incorporated to protect at state level too Bill of Rights

  Freedom of speech  Freedom of press  Freedom of religion  Freedom of peaceful assembly  Freedom to petition government 1 st Amendment

  Right of people to bear arms 2 nd Amendment

  Citizens cannot be forced to shelter soldiers in their homes 3 rd Amendment

  Americans have a right to privacy  Reasonable searches/seizures  Probable cause  Search warrants 4 th Amendment

  Protections for people accused of crimes  Double jeopardy  Do not have to testify against yourself  Due process of law 5 th Amendment

  Gives accused people certain rights  Right to a speedy, public trial  Impartial jury/judge  Can’t be held unreasonably  Know charges against you  Witnesses 6 th Amendment

  Juries required in federal courts to settle disputes about property over a certain amount 7 th Amendment

  Prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment  Excessive bail  Reasonable penalty  Limits on death penalty 8 th Amendment

  The people have more rights than just those listed in the Bill of Rights 9 th Amendment

  Powers not designated to the national government are reserved to the states or the people 10 th Amendment