SOCIAL STUDIES
The Bill of Rights
When the Constitution was ratified in 1787, many people were concerned
that it did not protect certain freedoms. They thought that the Constitution
should be changed or amended to protect these freedoms. On December
15, 1791, ten amendments were added to the Constitution. The first eight
amendments set out or enumerate the substantive and procedural individual
rights associated with that description. The 9th and 10th amendments are
general rules of interpretation of the relationship among the people, the State
governments, and the Federal Government. These amendments guarantee
certain freedoms and rights, so they are known as the Bill of Rights.
Amendment I -
Free Exercise Clause; Freedom of Speech, of the Press, of
Assembly, and of the Right to Petition.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right
of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of
grievances.”
Amendment II -
Right to keep and 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.”
Amendment III -
Protection from quartering of troops.
“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.”
Amendment IV -
Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,
against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants
shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly
describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
AmendmentV -
Due Process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain.
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on
a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval
forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall
any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor
shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived
of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be
taken for public use, without just compensation.”
Amendment VI -
Trial by jury and rights of the accused.
“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public
trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been
committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be
informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses
against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to
have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.”
SM-5585
