1. Bill of Rights
10 amendments intended to protect the individual rights of citizens
Several states would not ratify until a Bill of Rights were added
Written by James Madison with changes from congress

2. Bill of Rights
1st Amendment
Religious and political freedom
Forms the foundation of the government
Includes 5 freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

4. Bill of Rights
2nd Amendment
Right to bear arms and maintain a militia
Today, our militia is considered to be the National Guard

5. Bill of Rights 3rd Amendment No quartering troops in time of peace
After being forced to provide room and board for British troops, more states included this provision than freedom of speech.
Considered a right of privacy.

6. Bill of Rights 4th Amendment No unreasonable search and seizure
The British ransacked homes and arrested Americans without warrants
Again, protecting privacy

7. Bill of Rights
5th Amendment
Rights of accused persons
Longest amendment in Bill of Rights
Contains 5 rights:

8. Right against self-incrimination
Right to have serious charges presented to a grand jury
Right to avoid being tried twice for the same offense
Right to due process of law(fair treatment)
Right to just compensation when private property is taken for public use

9. Bill of Rights
6th Amendment
Right to a speedy, public trial
Added to ensure that criminal defendants received a fair trial

10. Bill of Rights
7th Amendment
Trial by jury in civil cases
Right to a jury in non-criminal matters, such as personal injuries or contracts
Limits a judge’s power to overturn factual decisions by a jury

11. Bill of Rights
8th Amendment
Limits of fines and punishments
Prohibits excessive bail
Prohibits excessive fines
Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment

12. Bill of Rights
9th Amendment
Rights of People
Unenumerated Rights: Those rights not specifically listed in the Constitution

13. Bill of Rights
10th Amendment
Powers of states and people
Protects powers of the states, not rights of the people

14. Fundamental Principles of the Constitution(7)
Popular Sovereignty – Who gives the government its power?
A government in which the people rule
“We the people…” tells the source of the governments power.

15. Republicanism – How are people’s views represented in Government?
Based on this belief: The people exercise their power by voting for their political representatives.
Article 4, Section 4, calls for every state to have a “republican form of Govt.”

16. Federalism – How is the power shared?
Form of government in which power is divided between a central government and smaller political units, such as states.

17. Separation of Powers – How is power divided?
Framers were concerned that too much power might fall into the hands of a single group.
Articles 1, 2, and 3 explain how powers are split among the 3 branches.

18. Checks and Balances – How is power evenly distributed?
Though the branches are separate, they rely on each other to perform the work of the government.
The system makes sure that the branches work together fairly.

19. Limited Government – How is abuse of power prevented?
All citizens and leaders must obey the law.

20. Individual Rights – How are personal freedoms protected?
These are personal liberties and privileges.
The Bill of Rights protect people from an overly powerful government.