Understanding the Amendments and Bill of Rights

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms protected against government abuse.

Civil Rights

Rights ensuring fair treatment and government participation.

Negative Rights

Limit government actions against the right holder.

Positive Rights

Claims against others for goods or services.

Freedom of Speech

Right to express opinions without government restraint.

Freedom of Religion

Right to practice any religion or none.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits government from establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Guarantees the right to hold any religious beliefs.

Symbolic Speech

Expression of ideas through symbols and actions.

Amendment 1

Protects freedoms of religion, speech, and assembly.

Amendment 2

Guarantees the right to bear arms.

Amendment 3

Prohibits quartering soldiers without consent.

Amendment 4

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Amendment 5

Ensures due process and protects against self-incrimination.

Due Process

Legal procedures must be followed in trials.

Miranda Rights

Rights read to suspects upon arrest.

Landmark Cases

Significant court decisions impacting rights.

Right to Vote

Fundamental right to participate in elections.

Open Market

Freedom to buy and sell goods freely.

Freedom to Protest

Right to assemble and express dissent.

Right to remain silent

Anything they say can be used against them in court.

Right to an attorney present

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided.

Amendment 6

Right to speedy trial by jury, witnesses, counsel (1791).

Amendment 7

Jury Trial in Civil Lawsuits (1791).

Amendment 8

Excessive fines, cruel and unusual punishment (1791).

Amendment 9

Non-enumerated rights retained by people (1791).

Amendment 10

Rights reserved to states or people (1791).

Bill of Rights

Establishment of limits on gov't not necessarily limits in people.

Amendment 11

Suits against States (1795).

Amendment 12

Election of President and Vice President (1804).

Amendment 13

Abolition of slavery (1865).

Amendment 14

Citizenship rights, equal protection, apportionment, civil war debt (1868).

Amendment 15

Right to vote not denied by race (1870).

Amendment 16

Income Tax (1913).

Amendment 17

Popular Election of senators (1913).

Amendment 18

Abolition of Liquor (1919).

Amendment 19

Women's right to vote (1920).

Amendment 20

Presidential term and succession assembly of congress (1933).

Amendment 21

Repeal of Prohibition (1933).

Amendment 22

Two-term limit on Presidency (1951).

Amendment 23

Presidential vote for DC (1961).

Amendment 24

Abolition of Poll Taxes (1964).

Amendment 25

Presidential Disability and succession (1967).

Amendment 26

Right to vote at age 18 (1971).

Amendment 27

Congressional compensation (1992).