Bill of Rights
What? Why? When? ?
The Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
Why did we need the Bill of Rights?--The Constitution did not specify the rights of
individual people. So before states like Massachusetts, Virginia, and New York agreed to pass this Constitution they wanted some basic rights of the people added. If not for the promised “bill of rights” this Constitution would not have been ratified.
The Bill of Rights was made part of the Constitution in 1791.
1st Amendment Guarantees freedom of religion,
speech, press, and the right to assembly peaceably.
2nd AmendmentGuarantees the right to organize
state militias and bear arms.
3rd AmendmentProhibits quartering soldiers in
private homes during peacetime and limits it in time of war.
4th AmendmentProhibits the unreasonable
search and seizure of persons and property without a valid warrant or just cause.
5th AmendmentRequires a grand jury for serious
crimes, prohibits double jeopardy, do not have to testify against oneself, due process of law, government can’t take private property for public use without compensation.
6th AmendmentGuarantees suspects the right to
a speedy trail by jury in criminal cases, to know all charges, to question witnesses, and to have counsel.
7th AmendmentGuarantees a jury trial in most
civil cases.
8th AmendmentProhibits excessive bail and fines
and cruel and unusual punishment.
9th AmendmentAssures people that they have other
basic rights in addition to those mentioned in the Constitution.
These include but are not limited to:--Right to privacy--Right to vote--Right to travel--Right to marry--Right to procreate
10th AmendmentGuarantees that rights not given
to the US government nor denied to the states are reserved to the states or the people.
Review of the Bill of Rights1st: Freedom of
speech, religion, press, and peaceful assembly
2nd:Right to bear arms3rd: Prohibits the
mandatory quartering of soldiers
4th: Prohibits unlawful search and seizure, requires a warrant
5th: Accused persons do not have to testify against themselves.
6th: Right to have counsel and speedy trial
7th: Guarantees trial by jury
8th: No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment
9th: Assures us we have other rights too
10th: Guarantees that states reserve the powers not given to the US government
Other Important Amendments
13th: 1865- Abolishes slavery15th: 1870- Prohibits denial of voting
on basis of race.18th: 1919- Prohibition (no alcoholic
beverages)19th: 1920- Women get the right to
vote21st: 1933- Repeal of 18th Amendment24th: 1964- Abolition of poll tax26th: 1971- Voting age lowered to 18