Bill of Rights 10 amendments intended to protect the individual rights of citizens Several states would not ratify until a Bill of Rights were added Written by James Madison with changes from congress

Bill of Rights 1st Amendment Religious and political freedom Forms the foundation of the government Includes 5 freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

Bill of Rights 2nd Amendment Right to bear arms and maintain a militia Today, our militia is considered to be the National Guard

Bill of Rights 3rd Amendment No quartering troops in time of peace After being forced to provide room and board for British troops, more states included this provision than freedom of speech. Considered a right of privacy.

Bill of Rights 4th Amendment No unreasonable search and seizure The British ransacked homes and arrested Americans without warrants Again, protecting privacy

Bill of Rights 5th Amendment Rights of accused persons Longest amendment in Bill of Rights Contains 5 rights:

Right against self-incrimination Right to have serious charges presented to a grand jury Right to avoid being tried twice for the same offense Right to due process of law(fair treatment) Right to just compensation when private property is taken for public use

Bill of Rights 6th Amendment Right to a speedy, public trial Added to ensure that criminal defendants received a fair trial

Bill of Rights 7th Amendment Trial by jury in civil cases Right to a jury in non-criminal matters, such as personal injuries or contracts Limits a judge’s power to overturn factual decisions by a jury

Bill of Rights 8th Amendment Limits of fines and punishments Prohibits excessive bail Prohibits excessive fines Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment

Bill of Rights 9th Amendment Rights of People Unenumerated Rights: Those rights not specifically listed in the Constitution

Bill of Rights 10th Amendment Powers of states and people Protects powers of the states, not rights of the people

Fundamental Principles of the Constitution(7) Popular Sovereignty – Who gives the government its power? A government in which the people rule “We the people…” tells the source of the governments power.

Republicanism – How are people’s views represented in Government? Based on this belief: The people exercise their power by voting for their political representatives. Article 4, Section 4, calls for every state to have a “republican form of Govt.”

Federalism – How is the power shared? Form of government in which power is divided between a central government and smaller political units, such as states.

Separation of Powers – How is power divided? Framers were concerned that too much power might fall into the hands of a single group. Articles 1, 2, and 3 explain how powers are split among the 3 branches.

Checks and Balances – How is power evenly distributed? Though the branches are separate, they rely on each other to perform the work of the government. The system makes sure that the branches work together fairly.

Limited Government – How is abuse of power prevented? All citizens and leaders must obey the law.

Individual Rights – How are personal freedoms protected? These are personal liberties and privileges. The Bill of Rights protect people from an overly powerful government.