The Amendments How do the amendments to the Constitution show the development of democracy in the United States?

The Bill of Rights Because critics attacked the Constitution for not protecting the rights of the people, the Founders promised to add a list of such rights. In 1791, the states ratified the first 10 amendments, which became known as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights limits the powers of government in order to protect the rights of liberty to individuals.

The First Amendment One of the most important amendments in the Bill of Rights, the First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise threreof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The First Amendment Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, assembly, press, and petition.

The Second Amendment Protects the right of states to maintain a militia and of citizens to bear arms. This amendment supports the right of citizens to own firearms, but it does prevent government to regulate the use and sale of firearms.

The Third Amendment Restricts quartering of troops in private homes.

Fourth Amendment Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. A search or arrest must be based on probable cause and usually requires a search warrant or arrest warrant.

Fifth Amendment No one can be tried for a crime without justifiable evidence. A person can not be tried for the same crime twice. No one may be forced to testify against himself or herself. The government may not deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Sixth Amendment Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.

Seventh Amendment Assures the right to a jury trial to settle all disputes about property worth more than $20.

Eighth Amendment Protects against excessive bail, or cruel and unusual punishment.

Ninth Amendment Protects all natural and basic rights not specifically noted in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment Restates the Constitution’s principle of federalism. Establishes that powers not given to the national government, or denied to the states, by the Constitution belong to the states or to the people.

Other Amendments 13th(1865)-Abolished slavery 15th(1870)-Prohibits denying voting rights due to race 16th(1913)-Allows income tax 18th(1919)-Prohibition 19th(1920)-Women’s suffrage 21st(1933)-Repealed prohibition 22nd(1951)-Limits president to two terms 26th(1971)-Right to vote to 18-year-olds