Bill of rights flashcards

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791.

What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

To protect the fundamental rights and liberties of individuals from government infringement.

Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?

The First Amendment.

What right does the Second Amendment protect?

The right of the people to keep and bear arms.

What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

Unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring probable cause for warrants.

What key protections are provided by the Fifth Amendment?

Rights to due process, protection against self-incrimination (pleading the fifth), and protection against double jeopardy.

What rights are guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment?

The right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, to be informed of the charges, to confront witnesses, to obtain witnesses, and to have legal counsel.

What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

Cruel and unusual punishments, and excessive bail or fines.

What is the significance of the Tenth Amendment?

It states that powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.