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The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1 – 10)
Background Notes
A major complaint the Anti-Federalist voiced about the
Constitution was the absence of a listing of individual
rights that would be protected by the new government.
Supporters of the Constitution (Federalists) agreed to
add a Bill of Rights. These 10 Amendments were added
to the Constitution in 1791.
1 Freedom of religion,
speech, the press, right to
assemble, right petition
the government for
redress of grievances.
These freedoms are our
greatest protections from
tyranny.
3
There shall be no
quartering of troops in the
homes of citizens. The
British saved money by
housing British Soldiers in
American homes.
Americans never wanted
to see that happen again.
2 Guarantees the Right
to Bear Arms, most
notably, guns. This
amendment is highly
controversial and its
necessity is constantly
debated.
4
Protects citizens from
unlawful search and seizure.
Law enforcement must have
a lawful warrant to search
you or your property.
Without a lawful warrant,
law enforcement cannot
take (seize) evidence.
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/m-bill-of-rights
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5• Guarantees due process for
6 Rights of the Accused:
those accused of crime
•
Speedy Trial, Impartial Jury,
informed of the charge
against you, face your
accusers, get witnesses in
your favor, and assistance of
counsel (lawyer).
Prohibits double jeopardy
(cannot be tried twice for same
crime)
Eminent Domain: Government
can only take your property for
the public good if it pays you
fair market value.
•
7
9
Extends the right to
a jury trial to civil
cases.
This list of rights may
not be complete.
Don’t worry, your
“un-enumerated”
rights are still
protected.
8
10
Prohibits excessive fines or
bail. Prohibits cruel or
unusual punishment.
Powers not
designated to the
Federal government
are retained by the
states or by the
people.