Bill of Rights

News can report what it wants 1st Amendment -Freedoms Speech To say what you want Press News can report what it wants Religion Can be whatever religion you choose Assembly Can gather in groups Petition Can ask your government for things The First Amendment protects all Americans’ freedom of speech, which includes speaking freely against the actions of our government. What happens to people who try to exercise this right in other countries?

2nd Amendment -bear arms Ability to own and use weapons Still debated today over whether this means for military or private use

3rd Amendment -No forced housing of soldiers Citizens do not have to house or feed soldiers during peacetime

4th Amendment -no illegal searches or seizures To combat British writs of assistance -right to privacy Police must have probable cause and must obtain a search warrant to enter your home

5th Amendment Rights of the accused -due process Every person must be treated equally in court; court must use same rules for every person -eminent domain The government cannot take private property without paying for it -grand jury Decides if there is enough evidence to indict and formally have a trial -no double jeopardy Cannot be put on trial for the same crime twice -right to remain silent Protection against self-incrimination

6th Amendment -speedy public trial Trial must begin quickly and must be held in public -right to a lawyer -jury trial Impartial jury of your peers is to hear and decide your case -informed of charges Right to know what you are being tried for -question all witnesses

7th Amendment -Jury trial in all civil cases Right to use a jury in a lawsuit that is over $20

8th Amendment -no excessive bails and fines Bail: money you pay to get out of prison until your trial Bail must fit the crime -no cruel and unusual punishments Punishment must fit the crime Continued debate over death penalty

9th Amendment -all rights not listed are still protected Not all of people’s rights are listed in Constitution People have more rights Right to privacy

10th Amendment -all powers not given to the National Gov’t are reserved for the states States wanted to keep some power in new Constitution to keep federal gov. from getting too strong Reserved Powers