Bill of RightsThe Rights of the People

Rights are things you have Rights are things you can do Government cannot grant rights, they can

take away rights Freedom is the condition of being free The power to act or speak or think without

imposed restraints

What is the difference between a right and a freedom

First 10 amendments to the Constitution Added in 1791 They guaranteed basic freedoms to the

people They also limited the powers of the federal

and state governments

Bill of Rights

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition

Government can’t force a religion upon you; practice what you want or none

Say what you want, but there are limits (ex: can’t threaten the president)

Can gather together as long as no disturbance to public safety

Can complain to/about the government

Amendment I

Right to keep and bear arms; states’ right to have militia

Gun control?

Should citizens have weapons or just a “well regulated militia?”

Amendment II

Freedom from having to allow soldiers to stay in citizens’ homes in times of peace

Soldiers cannot stay in civilian houses

Amendment III

Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures

Property cannot be searched without a warrant

Warrant is approved by a judge and has to describe what is being searched

Amendment IV

Freedom of being accused of a crime except by grand jury indictment and from being tried twice for the same offense; right to due process

Grand Jury to decide if enough evidence for trial

No Double Jeopardy- person can’t be tried twice for same crime

Plead the 5th- person can’t be forced to testify against himself (self-incrimination)

Amendment V

Due process of law- certain procedures that those charged with a crime have to go through

Eminent Domain- private property can’t be taken for public use without compensation

Amendment V continued

Right to a fair trial in criminal cases Speedy and public trial Have to be told what you are being charged

with Confront witnesses and have witnesses

testify on your behalf May have a lawyer Miranda Rights

Amendment VI

Right to a jury trial in most civil cases

Jury trial in cases dealing with money and property

Amendment VII

Right to reasonable bail, fines, and punishment

No excessive bail or fines

No cruel or unusual punishment

Death Penalty?

Amendment VIII

Protection of rights not written in the Constitution

Any rights not listed in the Bill of Rights are the people’s rights

Right to privacy

Amendment IX

Powers not given to federal government reserved for states or people

States rights- any power not given to the federal government are rights for the States to decide unless it goes against the Constitution

Ex: Same-sex marriage, Abortion

Amendment X