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The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They were added to the Constitution soon after the first government was formed in 1789 and became part of the Constitution in 1791. Citizens were eager to have their rights documented after fighting so hard to get them. Below is a listing of the 10 amendments to the Constitution and what they mean.
|
Amendment
|
What
It Says
|
| Amendment I | Americans have the freedom to worship where they want, to speak freely even if what they say disagrees with the government, to meet in groups peacefully and to change laws that are unfair. |
| Amendment II | Americans have the right to keep weapons to be used for a militia or citizens' army. |
| Amendment III & IV | Your home may not be searched without a special paper called a warrant. The government cannot force you to keep soldiers in your house. |
| Amendment V-VIII | A person is considered innocent until proven guilty of a crime. Each citizen has the right to a speedy trial by jury. If an accused person does not have a lawyer, one must be provided for him or her. |
| Amendment IX | Americans have basic rights that are not all listed in the Constitution. |
| Amendment X | The powers of the federal government are written in the Constitution. All the rest are given to the states or to the people. |
Go to the Bill of Rights site to study the Bill of Rights in-depth.