bill of rights

First Amendment

Protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

Second Amendment

Protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment

Prevents the government from quartering soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent during peacetime.

Fourth Amendment

Protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants to be issued only upon probable cause.

Fifth Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination (right to remain silent), double jeopardy, and ensures due process of law; also requires just compensation for private property taken for public use.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, to confront witnesses, and to have legal counsel.

Seventh Amendment

Preserves the right to a jury trial in civil cases where the value in controversy exceeds a certain amount.

Eighth Amendment

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

Ninth Amendment

States that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people (unenumerated rights).

Tenth Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government nor denied to the states, to the states respectively, or to the people.