bill of rights

How long did the Articles of Confederation serve as law?

From 1781 to 1789

When were the Articles of Confederation written?

1777

When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

July 4, 1776

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

How many people signed the Declaration of Independence?

56 people

When was the Constitution signed?

September 17, 1787

How many states had to ratify it for it to pass?

9 out of 13 states

What are the three parts of the Constitution?

The preamble, the amendments, and the articles

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

27

How many articles does the Constitution have?

7

Which amendments make up the Bill of Rights?

First 10 Amendments

What are the Bill of Rights?

Personal liberties

What does the First Amendment protect?

The right to assemble, to protest, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and religious beliefs

What does the First Amendment prevent the government from doing?

Creating or favoring a religion

What right does the Second Amendment protect?

The right to keep and bear arms

What does the Third Amendment do?

It prevents the government from forcing homeowners to house soldiers

What does the Fourth Amendment do?

It bars the government from unreasonable search and seizure

What does the Fifth Amendment state?

It states that serious criminal charges must be started by a grand jury, someone cannot be tried twice for the same offense (double jeopardy) or have property taken away without just compensation. People have the right against self-incrimination and cannot be imprisoned without due process of law.

What is considered "due process of law"?

Going through fair procedures and trials

What rights does the Sixth Amendment protect?

The right to a speedy and public trial, trial by an impartial jury in criminal cases, and to be informed of criminal charges.

What does the Sixth Amendment require of witnesses in a legal case?

The witnesses must face the accused

In the Sixth Amendment, what two things does the accused have the right to?

They are allowed to have their own witness and to be represented by a lawyer

What right does the Seventh Amendment give?

The right to a jury trial in federal civil cases

What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

It prohibits excessive bails & fines, and it also prohibits cruel & unusual punishments

What does the Ninth Amendment state?

The rights of Americans are not limited to those mentioned in the Constitution.

What does the Tenth Amendment state?

That the federal government only has the powers delegated in the Constitution; if it isn't listed, it belongs to the state or people