First 10 Amendments to the Constitution The Bill of Rights First 10 Amendments to the Constitution
AMENDMENT 1 Guarantees freedom on speech, religion, press, petition and assembly.
AMENDMENT 2 Protects your right to own a gun. Also says states can have militias (today’s National Guard).
AMENDMENT 3 The government cannot force you to house soldiers in your home. (in response to British Quartering Act as part of the Intolerable Acts after the Boston Tea Party)
AMENDMENT 4 Protection against illegal search and seizure. Authorities must have probable cause and get a warrant to search your property.
AMENDMENT 5 Rights of the accused. You have the right to remain silent. You may also not be tried for same crime twice.
AMENDMENT 6 Right to a speedy trial by jury in criminal cases.
AMENDMENT 7 Right to a jury trial in civil cases.
AMENDMENT 8 Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment
AMENDMENT 9 Not every right of the people is listed in the Constitution
AMENDMENT 10 Powers not given to national government belong to the states