U.S. Constitution Amendments: Rights, Protections, and Themes

First Amendment

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

Second Amendment

Right to bear arms.

Third Amendment

Quartering troops in homes without consent.

Fourth Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Right to indictment by a grand jury; protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; due process.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a speedy, public trial with an impartial jury, and right to counsel.

Seventh Amendment

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

No excessive bail or fines; no cruel and unusual punishments.

Ninth Amendment

Rights not listed in the Constitution are reserved to the people.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Freedom of Expression

Amendment 1 (religion, speech, press, assembly, petition).

Personal Security

Amendments 2-4 (bear arms, no quartering, no unreasonable searches/seizures).

Fair Treatment Under Law

Amendments 5-8 (due process, trial rights, jury trials, protection from cruel punishment).

Reserved Rights & Powers

Amendments 9-10 (rights reserved to the people; powers reserved to the states).