The Bill of Rights�The First 10 Amendments to the Constitution
The Bill of Rights tried to guarantee certain rights
How did it do?
2 of 11
1st Amendment
Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition.
Limitations?
Religion
None
Speech
Clear and Present Danger
Can’t say things that will bring harm to our country (Kill the President!)
Sometimes called fighting words
Libel
Written statement that is found to be false and damaging
Slander
Oral statement that is found to be false and damaging
3 of 11
2nd Amendment
Protects the right to bear arms, which means the right to own a gun.
Limitations:
Mostly done at state level
Licenses
Certifications
4 of 11
3rd Amendment
“No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.”
This means that we cannot be forced to house or quarter soldiers.
5 of 11
4th Amendment
Protects the people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Police must have a warrant to enter our homes.
Means the government cannot take our property, papers, or us, without a valid warrant based on probable cause (good reason).
What if it is?
Exclusionary rule
Prohibits evidence obtained during illegal from being used against you
6 of 11
5th Amendment
Protects people from being held for committing a crime unless they are properly indicted
You may not be tried twice for the same crime
Called double jeopardy
You don’t have to testify against yourself in court.
Called self-incrimination
Miranda vs. Arizona
Eminent Domain
Government cant take your property w/o cause
7 of 11
6th Amendment
Guarantees a speedy trial
you can’t be kept in jail for over a year without a trial
Guarantees an impartial jury
doesn’t already think you are guilty
Guarantees that the accused can confront witnesses against them
Guarantees the accused must be allowed to have a lawyer
8 of 11
7th Amendment
Guarantees the right to a speedy civil trial.
Two types of trial
Civil
2 people sue each other
divorce
Criminal
The government sues you for damages
Murder
Theft
Vandalism
9 of 11
8th Amendment
Guarantees that punishments will be fair and not cruel
What about capital punishment?
No excessive Bail
10 of 11
9th Amendment
All rights not stated in the Constitution and not forbidden by the Constitution belong to the people.
This means that the states can do what they want if the Constitution does not forbid it.
11 of 11
10th Amendment
States that any power not granted to the federal government belongs to the states or to the people.