1. United States Constitution The Bill of Rights (First Ten Amendments)

2. Why have a Bill of Rights? “A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth… and what no just government should refuse.” – Thomas Jefferson The Bill of Rights protects citizens from government interference.

3. First Amendment Religious and Political Freedom – Freedom of Religion – Freedom of Speech – Freedom of the Press – Freedom of Assembly – Freedom to Petition

6. Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms – The right of people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. If you want a gun, the government can not stop you.

8. Third Amendment Quartering Troops – Soldiers cannot live in any house during war or peace without the consent of the owner

10. Fourth Amendment Search and Seizure – The right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. – No warrants shall be issued without probable cause. Warrant must be specific

12. Fifth Amendment Rights of Accused Persons – No person shall be held to answer for a crime without indictment from a Grand Jury. – Cannot be tried for the same offense twice. – Cannot be a witness against oneself. – Cannot be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. – Private property cannot be taken for public use without compensation.

15. Sixth Amendment Right to a Speedy, Public Trial – Right to a speedy and public trial with an impartial jury in the district where one was accused. – Allowed to be confronted with the opposing witnesses. – Have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in ones favor. – Have the assistance for ones defense.

17. Seventh Amendment Trial by Jury in Civil Cases – Allowed to have a trial by jury if the controversy exceeds twenty dollars.

19. Eighth Amendment Limits of Fines and Punishments – Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

21. Ninth Amendment Rights of People – The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Just because some rights are not listed in the Constitution does not mean that the people are not entitled to them.

22. Tenth Amendment Powers of States and People – The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.