The 1st AmendmentBasic Freedoms
Freedom of Speech Freedom of Religion Freedom of the Press Freedom of Assembly Right to petition the government
The 2nd AmendmentRight to Bear Arms
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
King George says I can say in your
home
The 3rd AmendmentQuartering (housing) of Soldiers
This was created in response to British laws before the Revolution. The British were allowed to house troops in homes
Today this doesn’t really affect us much, but it is important because it shows that we have a right to privacy in our homes.
of colonists without their permission.
The 4th AmendmentSearch and Seizure
What does a policeman need in order to search your home? A warrant given to him by
a judge Probable cause is also
needed
“I plead the
fifth”
The 5th Amendment Rights of the Accused
You cannot be tried for the same crime twice—called “Double Jeopardy”
You do not have to testify against yourself. “I plead the fifth”
You must have due process of law before you are convicted
The government cannot take your land unless it pays.
The 6th AmendmentRights of the Accused
Right to a Speedy Trial Right to a Public Trial Right to a Jury Trial Right to Subpoena Right to an Attorney: This information is
continued in the Miranda warnings, police state: “If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided.”
The 7th Amendment right to a jury trial in civil cases
This means that any person can demand a jury trial.
For example, if a person owes someone in your family owes money, and you suspect them, and have evidence that theyowe him/her, the government can hold a trial. If their problem is very serious, it will be re-examined.
The 8th Amendment Rights of the Accused
No excessive bail No cruel and unusual
punishment
The 9th AmendmentLimitations of Rights
This means that if the rights were not spelled out specifically in the Constitution, then those rights belonged to the people.
For example, the Constitution has nothing in it about what type of soft drink you can buy. Therefore, the government cannot deny you that choice.
The 10th Amendment Reserved Powers
For example, the Constitution is silent about driving a car. The power to grant licenses for driving is a power left to the states.
This means that if the rights were not spelled out specifically in the Constitution, then those rights belonged to the states.
Who determines what the Bill of Rights mean?
The Supreme Court makes rulings on the meaning
The Supreme Court balances the rights of the individual with the needs of society
Individual??
Society??
Amendments Over the last 221 years there
have been 17 additional amendments added to the constitution.
Can you name any of these amendments?