Bill of Rights: The Amendments to the Constitution
Do you know your liberties? The US constitution is the supreme law of the United States. Coming into force in 1789, it has since been amended 27 times. Thus, shifting with an ever growing ever changing nation from the 18th century until now. The first 10 of these amendments is known as the Bill of Rights. In today’s blog, we outline these protections of liberty and justice in terms that everyone can understand. After all, every US citizen is entitled to them.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights sets out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. It guarantees liberties such as freedom of speed, press, and religion. Proposed by James Madison, it focuses on rights-related changes rather than structural ones. He appreciated the importance voters attached to these protections. And, the prevention it put forth to stop its opponents from making more drastic changes to it.
The first ten of these 12 amendments came into play in all states in 1791. Join us in exploring what these entail.
The First Amendment
Provides several rights protections to:
- express ideas through speech and press
- assemble with a group to protest
- ask the government to fix problems
- religious beliefs and practices
Additionally, it prevents the government from creating or favouring a religion.
The Second Amendment
Protects the right to keep and bear arms. It is probably one of the most heavily debated amendments. Especially in light of recent-day tragedies.
The Third Amendment
Before the Revolutionary War, law allowed British soldiers the right to take over private homes. Thus, this amendment put forward that the government cannot force homeowners to allow soldiers to use their homes.
The Fourth Amendment
Bars the government from unreasonable search and seizure of an individual or their private property.
The Fifth Amendment
Accused of committing a crime? This amendment in the Bill of Rights states that:
- serious crimes must be started by a grand jury
- a person cannot be tried twice for the same offence (double jeopardy) OR have property taken away without just compensation
- people have the right against self-incrimination
- one cannot be imprisoned without fair procedures and trials (due process of law)
The Sixth Amendment
Provides additional protections to those accused of crimes, such as the right to:
- a speedy trial
- trial by an impartial jury
- be informed of criminal charges
What’s more, witnesses must face the accused. And, the accused is allowed their own witnesses as well as being represented by a lawyer.
The Seventh Amendment
Another one for crime, this extends the right to a jury trail in Federal civil cases.
The Eighth Amendment
Bars excessive bail and finds as well as cruel and unusual punishment.
The Ninth Amendment
Listing specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that people do not have other rights that have not been spelled out.
The Tenth Amendment
Federal Government only has the powers given in the Constitution. Thus, if it isn’t listed, it belongs to the states or to the people.
Want to see the Bill of Rights for yourself? Visit the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C.
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