1. First 10 Amendments
The Bill of Rights

2. 1ST Amendment 5 basic Freedoms Religion Speech Press
Assembly (violence, or destruction are not protected)
Petition the Government

3. 2nd Amendment The right to Bear Arms (have weapons)
The right to serve in a state militia
militia- men organized to fight with the purpose of protecting their home/communities
Intended to make sure citizens have the ability to defend themselves

4. 3rd Amendment
Prevents the government from forcing citizens to quarter (house and feed) the Military in private homes during times of peace
Included in response to fears stemming from British colonial rule.

5. 4th Amendment
Privacy
Protects against unreasonable search and seizure (probable cause)
The government can not go through your property
The government can not take your property
Often Warrants are issued when there is probable cause which allows the search and seizure of property (not necessary according to the Bill of Rights)

6. 5th Amendment Rights of people who have been accused of a crime
Those accused of serious crimes have a right to a “Grand Jury Hearing”
group of citizens hear the evidence in the case and determine if there is enough to move forward with an indictment
Can’t be put on trial without indictment (being formally accused of the crime)

7. 5th Amendment Continued
Prevents double jeopardy (being put on trial for the same crime twice)
Due Process: procedures establishing a clear process for carrying out laws
Right to remain silent- people can not be forced to testify against themselves
“I’m taking the 5th”

8. 6th Amendment Trial Rights
Anyone accused of a crime must be given a speedy trial (fair)
The trial must be Public
The case can be heard by jury of peers

9. 6th Amendment Continued
All defendants must be informed of the charges against them
Allowed to hear and question all witnesses and call witnesses in their own defenses
Entitled to a lawyer

10. 7th Amendment Right to a jury trial in civil cases
Civil: people vs. people (divorce, small claims court)
A judge can not un-do or change the decision of a jury

11. 8th Amendment Bail and Punishment Before trial:
Forbids “excessive bail”
Bail: money given to courts to hold until an accused person shows up for trial
The cost must be reasonable for the crime that was committed and not set with the purpose of keeping the accused in jail until trial.
“Excessive”= unreasonable

12. 8th Amendment Continued
After Trial (even criminals have rights)
Forbids “excessive fines”
“excessive” = unreasonable
Fines should be proportionate to crime
Forbids “cruel and unusual punishment”
The meaning of this has changed overtime
The severity of the crime is considered when punishment is issued

13. 9th Amendment Powers reserved to the people
The rights in the Constitution are NOT the only rights the Citizens have.
Privacy
Life
Pursuit of happiness
Make your own choices

14. 10th Amendment Powers reserved for the States
Any power not given to the national government is reserved for the state governments
Speed limits
Length of the school year
Where and when elections are held