The Bill of Rights was created September 25 1789

The Constitution is like a big rule book for the country

The purpose was to amend the Constitution of the United States

Quick Facts

The Author: Most of it was written by James Madison, who is often called the "Father of the Constitution".

The Number: There were originally 12 amendments proposed, but only 10 were approved by the states at the time.

The Date: It was officially added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791.

First Amendment: Protects your freedom to speak, write, gather for protests, and practice any religion you choose.

Guarantees five basic liberties:  

 Freedom of Religion  

Freedom of Speech 

Freedom of Press   

Freedom of Assembly 

 Freedom of Petition

The 2nd Amendment Guarantees each state the right to maintain a militia  Guarantees the right of the people to bear arms. 

The 3rd Amendment The Quartering Act Guarantees that in times of peace, soldiers shall not be housed in any home, without the permission of the owner.

The 4th Amendment Unreasonable Search and Seizure Guarantees people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures, unless a warrant is issued which describes the items, places, or persons to be searched or seized.  

5th Amendment a. Guaranteesa person can only be tried for  serious “federal” crime if indicted by a “Grand Jury”.  No one can be tried for the same crime twice, “Double Jeopardy”.  All persons are protected against “self-incrimination”. Government may take private property for a legitimate purpose, by “Eminent Domain”.

The 6th Amendment Guarantees a fair and speedy trial, by a impartial jury  Defendant must beinformed of the charges upon which they are being tried.  The right to cross-examine all hostile witnesses and bring in favorable witnesses.  Defendant has theright to an attorney at every stage of the criminal process. 

The 7th Amendment Guarantees, in civil cases heard in federal court, a trial by jury if the amount of money in questionis more than $20.00.

The 8th Amendment  Excessive fines or bails are not allowed. Cruel or unusual punishment can not be inflicted. 

The 9th Amendment The Enumeration Clause Although the government has guaranteed many civil rights, this does NOT mean that there are NOT other rights that are currently held by the people, or in the future.  

The 10th Amendment Reserved Powers to the State All those powers that the Constitution does not grant to the Federal Government, does not stop the states from governing.