Bill of Rights + Seven Articles

First Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Right to bear arms.

Third Amendment

Soldiers cannot demand to be quartered in civilians’ homes.

Fourth Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Warrants for search must have probable cause to be issued.

Fifth Amendment

Right to a grand jury, protects against double jeopardy (you cannot be tried for the same crime twice), ensures due process of law, requires fair compensation when private property is taken for public use.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to legal counsel in criminal cases.

Seventh Amendment

Right to a jury in federal civil court cases involving more than 20 dollars.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, cruel and unusual punishments.

Ninth Amendment

The rights listed in the Constitution are not the only rights that people have. People have other unlisted rights.

Tenth Amendment

Any powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.

Article 1

The legislative branch. Creates congress, which is split into the house of representatives and the senate, gives it the power to make laws.

Article 2

The executive branch. Establishes the office of the president, sets the rules for electing the president, and outlines the duties of running the government.

Article 3

The judicial branch. Creates the supreme court and authorizes congress to create lower federal courts to interpret laws.

Article 4

States and citizenship. Defines how states interact with each other and with the federal government, including rules for adding new states.

Article 5

The amendment process. Explains the rules and procedures for changing or adding amendments to the constitution.

Article 6

Supremacy of national law. States that the constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land. Sets rules for public oaths and debts.

Article 7

Ratification. Outlines the process for getting the nine states required to approve and adopt the constitution.