Bill of Rights Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the key concepts, rights, and legal protections outlined across the first ten amendments in the Bill of Rights.

Freedom of Speech

The right to have a dissenting opinion without fear of retribution by the government; this is not an unlimited right.

Freedom of Religion

The right to choose whichever religion we want, prohibiting the government from forcing one on us.

Freedom of the Press

The right of newspapers and other media to publish what they want without government censorship or prevention.

Freedom of Assembly

The right to gather together to show support through actions such as marches and peaceful protests.

Freedom of Petition

The right to ask the government to fix issues seen in our country.

Second Amendment Right

The right of citizens to own firearms and guns.

Quartering

The act of housing, feeding, or supplying soldiers, which citizens cannot be forced to do during times of peace.

Warrant

Signed permission from a judge in the Judicial Branch permitting the government to search or take individuals or their belongings.

Probable Cause

A really good immediate reason that allows the government to conduct a search or seizure without a warrant.

Grand Jury

A body that must officially determine that an accused person should be brought to trial before a trial can proceed.

Double Jeopardy

The prohibited practice of officially accusing or putting someone on trial for the same crime more than once.

Right to Remain Silent

The Fifth Amendment protection allowing an accused individual to refuse to be a witness against themselves or answer questions.

Due Process

The legal requirement that all established legal steps must be followed without skipping any before someone can be punished for a crime.

Fifth Amendment Property Protection

The rule that private property cannot be taken by the government except for public use, and only if the owner is paid a fair price.

Speedy and Public Trial

A trial that must be completed quickly to avoid burdening private life, and conducted openly so witnesses can ensure rights are respected.

Impartial Jury

An unbiased, randomly selected group of people assigned to decide the guilt or innocence of an accused individual.

Public Defender

A lawyer paid for by the government to provide legal representation and assistance at trial.

Civil Trial Jury Right

The Seventh Amendment protection granting the right to have a jury decide which party wins in a non-criminal dispute.

Bail

Money put on hold that allows an accused person to wait at home for their trial to begin rather than waiting in jail; it cannot be unjust.

Cruel and Unusual Punishments

Prohibited punishments following a guilty verdict; allowable penalties are largely restricted to fines, community service, probation, jail time, and (in some states) the death penalty.

Ninth Amendment Rights

Extra rights retained by the people that are not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights, such as the rights to travel and vote.

Tenth Amendment Powers

The principle that powers not granted to the federal government belong to the state governments, serving to restrict federal reach and prevent tyranny.