Bill of Rights

Purpose of the Bill of Rights

• Goal– Limit the power of the federal government– Protect the natural rights of individuals

• Author(s)– Ideas taken from state bills of rights– Compiled by James Madison

Original Scope

• BoR originally applied only to the FEDERAL government

Current Scope

• The 14th Amendment applied the BoR to the states, in addition to the federal government.

First Amendment

• Freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the press, and the right to petition the gov’t

Second Amendment

• Right to bear arms

Third Amendment

• Protection against quartering soldiers

Fourth Amendment

• Protection against unreasonable search and seizure

Fifth Amendment• Guarantees due process of law• Prohibits double jeopardy and self

incrimination• Sets limits on eminent domain

Sixth Amendment

• Trial by jury in criminal cases*– *Charges brought by the local, state, or federal

government in response to a suspected violation of law and seeks a fine, a jail sentence, or both.

Seventh Amendment

• Trial by jury in most civil cases*– *Charges brought by private individuals or

corporations seeking to collect money owed or monetary damages

Eighth Amendment

• Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment

Ninth Amendment

• Rights not in the Constitution belong to the people

Tenth Amendment

• Powers not given to the national government in the Constitution belong to the states