1. The U.S. Constitution The U.S Constitution established a limited government based on power shared between the national and state governments. The U.S Constitution established a limited government based on power shared between the national and state governments. Each state also has a constitution but the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Each state also has a constitution but the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

2. The Bill of Rights were added to the constitution to guarantee the individual rights of all citizens.

3. First Amendment Allows us freedom of speech, religion, and the press. Allows us freedom of speech, religion, and the press. Freedom to peacefully assemble Freedom to peacefully assemble Freedom to petition the government Freedom to petition the government

4. Second Amendment Gives citizens the right to bear arms Gives citizens the right to bear arms

5. Third Amendment Limits the quartering of soldiers in homes during peacetime. Limits the quartering of soldiers in homes during peacetime.

6. Fourth Amendment Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures

7. Fifth Amendment The right to due process of law – The right to due process of law – Cannot be tried twice for the same crime Cannot be tried twice for the same crime Cannot be forced to testify against yourself Cannot be forced to testify against yourself Government cannot take your property without just compensation Government cannot take your property without just compensation

8. Sixth Amendment Right to a speedy and public trial Right to a speedy and public trial Right to have a lawyer Right to have a lawyer

9. Seventh Amendment Right to a trial by jury Right to a trial by jury

10. Eighth Amendment Protects against excessive bail and fines Forbids cruel and unusual punishment

11. Ninth Amendment Citizens are entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution (natural rights) Citizens are entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution (natural rights)

12. Tenth Amendment Powers reserved to the states or to the people. Powers reserved to the states or to the people. Example: right to travel Example: right to travel

13. Other Amendments/notes There are 27 Amendments total 13th Amendment – abolishes (ends) slavery 19th Amendment – gives women the right to vote 26th Amendment – lowers the voting age to 18