The Bill of Rights First 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

First Amendment Freedom of Religion Freedom of Speech Freedom of the Press Freedom of Assembly to Protest You can have whatever religion you want, you can speak out against the government verbally, in writing, and by protesting as long as it is done so peacefully

Second Amendment The right to bear arms and the need for a well-regulated militia You can own a gun for your own protection or for sport. The “well-regulated militia” today is debated because we have police and an army to protect & defend us

Third Amendment Citizens are not required to quarter soldiers in their homes in times of peace or war unless a law is passed by the government This goes back to the Intolerable Acts of 1774 that Britain passed against the colonies

Fourth Amendment Police cannot search your home or seize your property without having a warrant Protection against illegal search & seizure You have a right to privacy in your home and police must have “probable cause” to get a warrant to search your home Can the government wire tap your phone calls without your permission?

Fifth Amendment People have a right to “due process:” the legal steps must be followed if you are arrested Right against self-incrimination – “I plead the 5 th …” You have the right NOT to speak in court if your words will make you look guilty

Sixth Amendment People have a right to a fair, speedy, public trial with an impartial jury People have the right to a lawyer to defend them You cannot be put in jail for years before you have a trial

Fifth & Sixth Amendments Known as your “Miranda Rights” Rights that police MUST read you if you are arrested: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?”

Seventh Amendment People have a right to a jury trial No Double Jeopardy You cannot be put on trial for the same crime twice unless newly discovered evidence is found

Eighth Amendment People are protected against excessive bail or fines Protection against “cruel & unusual punishment” If you are arrested for stealing a Snickers, your bail to get out of jail cannot be $1 million; the punishment must fit the crime Is the death penalty cruel & unusual punishment?

Ninth Amendment Just because a right is not specifically stated in the Bill of Rights or the Constitution does not mean that people do not have other rights

Tenth Amendment Reserved Powers Power not given to the U.S. government by the Constitution is then “reserved to the states or the people”