1. Bill of Rights Amendments #1-10

2. 1st Amendment
Congress shall make no law regarding the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or press, or the right to peacefully assemble and to petition the Government.

3. 1st Amendment Memory Trick
1st Letter:
What it stands for: R A P S
eligion ssemble ress etition peech

4. Freedom of Religion
Prevents the government from establishing an official religion
Citizens have freedom to attend or not attend any religious establishment (church, temple, etc.)
You cannot be forced to bow your head and pray.

5. Freedom of Speech
Government can’t stop us from saying what we think (verbally or symbolically- flag burning)
People have the right to criticize the government or anything else.
Can stand in front of an oil company’s office and hold a sign that says, “Don’t buy oil from polluters!”
Gov’t may not prohibit the expression of an idea just because society finds it offensive.

6. Freedom of the Press
Gov’t. cannot control what is printed in newspapers, books or what is broadcasted on TV or radio
People can pass out flyers or have own web pages to show their views
Could hand out flyers describing unfair hiring practices of a local business

7. Freedom of Assembly
Citizens can come together in public and private gatherings (even hate groups)
They can join groups for political, or religious reasons.
Example: A group of students can meet in the park to protest the firing of a staff member, or the unfair treatment of a fellow student

8. Right to Petition Citizens can ask for changes in the government.
One way they can do this by collecting signatures on a petition form and sending them to elected representatives.
Or the can go door to door, asking people to write letters to Congressmen to pass laws helping the homeless
Question to ponder: Would Chinese or North Korean citizens have this right?

9. 2nd Amendment: Right to bear arms
Individuals have a right to possess firearms
States can regulate possession and use
3rd Amendment: Quartering of Troops
No soldier shall be quartered (housed) in any house without consent of the owner
4th Amendment: Searches and Seizures
Police officers have no right to search or seize evidence without probable cause and a warrant

10. Cannot be tried twice for the same crime (No double jeopardy!)
5th Amendment:
Criminal proceeding
Cannot be tried twice for the same crime
(No double jeopardy!)
Protected against self-incrimination
“I plead the 5th!”
Due Process
Gov’t. has to follow steps and procedures
Makes it so everyone will be treated the same
Eminent Domain
Government may take private property for a legitimate purpose
(1:43)

11. 6th Amendment: Criminal Proceedings
Speedy trial by an impartial jury
Must be informed of the charge
Must be provided with a lawyer
7th Amendment: Civil Trial (In Federal Court)
(A civil case does not involve criminal matters.)
Anything valued over $20 may have a jury (Now it’s anything over $1,500)
8th Amendment: Punishment for Crimes
NO excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment

12. 9th Amendment: Unremunerated Rights
The Amendments did not cover all the rights that citizens needed so Madison included #9 (Maybe he was referring to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)
10th Amendment: Powers Reserved to the States
Powers not delegated to the National Government in the Constitution are reserved for the States & its citizens.