1. The 1 st Ten Amendments to the Constitution 2. Ratified in December Intended to protect “the people” from the powerful government the Constitution created 4. Madison drafted the Bill of Rights

5. ** Madison’s ideas came from: (1) Virginia Declaration of Rights (by George Mason)  Document says that basic human rights should not be violated by governments AND (2) Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (by Thomas Jefferson)  Outlawed the established church (government support for one favored church)  Contributed to the very 1 st Amendment

Amendment I: Freedom of religion assembly speech press, petition (Memory Aid: RASPP) Amendment II: Right to bare arms

Amendment III: no quartering of troops Amendment IV: Unreasonable searches and seizures forbidden

Amendment V: Requires a grand jury for serious criminal charges, prohibits military trials of civilians, prohibits double jeopardy, prohibits forcing accused person to testify against themselves, self incrimination no one may be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, prohibits government taking private property for public use without just compensation

Amendment VI: Speedy trial by jury in criminal cases, knowledge of charges, obtain witness have counsel (lawyer) Amendment VII: Right to a trial in civil cases (law suits against other citizens) Jury trial in civil cases over $20

Amendment VIII: Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment excessive fines and bail Amendment IX: The people retain rights not enumerated in the Constitution Amendment X: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states and the people.

Delegated Powers Powers given to the federal government declare war Make treaties Interstate commerce Reserved Powers Powers for the states Education marriage Concurrent- Both state and national governments have this power tax

Legislative Branch Checks on Judicial creates lower federal courts Can impeach and remove judges Can Propose amendments to and overrule judicial decisions Approves appointments of Federal Judges Checks on Executive Can override a presidential veto Confirms executive appointments Ratifies treaties Can declare war Appropriates money Can Impeach Judicial Branch Checks on Executive Can declare and executive action unconstitutional *Checks on Legislative Can declare acts of congress unconstitutional Executive Branch Checks on Legislative Can propose laws Can veto laws Can call a special session of Congress Make appointments to federal post Negotiate foreign treaties Checks on Judicial Appoints federal judges Can pardon federal officials