amendments

First Amendment

Protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitioning the government.

Freedom of religion

The right to practice any religion or no religion without government interference.

Free speech

The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.

Free press

The right of media to publish news and opinions without government interference.

Peaceably assemble

The right to hold public meetings and form associations without interference.

Petition the government for a redress of grievances

The right to make complaints to or seek assistance from one's government without fear of punishment.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

District of Columbia v. Heller

A landmark Supreme Court case confirming the Second Amendment as an individual right to possess firearms.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants to be specific and based on probable cause.

No unreasonable searches and seizures

The principle that law enforcement must have a valid reason, supported by probable cause, to search or seize property.

Fifth Amendment

Ensures due process and protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination.

Due process

Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.

No double jeopardy

A person cannot be tried twice for the same crime.

Grand jury for felonies

A group that reviews evidence and decides if a person should be charged with a crime.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and the right to compel witnesses.

Right to compel witnesses

The ability of the accused to require testimony from witnesses on their behalf.

Seventh Amendment

Guarantees the right to a civil trial in certain federal cases.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

Ninth Amendment

States that the rights enumerated in the Constitution are not an exhaustive list.

Tenth Amendment

Limits federal government powers to those specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

Fourteenth Amendment

Applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the due process clause.

Incorporation

The application of the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Thirteenth Amendment

Aimed to end slavery and was passed to ensure respect for human rights.