First Amendment
People have freedom of religion, of speech, and of the press. They have the right to gather in a peaceful way. They have the right to appeal to the government if they feel something wrong is happening. Freedom of religion means two things. One, people can worship, or not worship, as they please. Two, the government cannot promote religion in general or a particular religion.
Second Amendment
A well-regulated militia (armed force) is important. Therefore, people have the right to keep and bear arms. This amendment has caused much debate. Some argue that the amendment applies mostly to militias. Others say it means there should be no restrictions on owning guns. The courts have ruled that some gun-control laws are allowed to protect citizens from those who would use guns for crimes.
Third and Fourth Amendments
The Third Amendment says the government cannot force people to keep soldiers in their homes, as the British did. The amendment has been used to support the idea that citizens have a right to privacy. The Fourth Amendment says the government cannot unreasonably search people or their property. Courts still debate the meaning of unreasonable.
Fifth Amendment
This amendment has five parts. People can’t be tried for a federal crime unless a grand jury agrees there is enough evidence. People cannot be charged twice for the same crime. People cannot be made to testify against themselves. People cannot be punished without due process of law. The government cannot take private property for public use without fair payment.
Sixth Amendment
People accused of a crime have the right to a speedy and public trial. They also have the right to be represented by a lawyer. Not until 1963, in Gideon v. Wainwright, did the Supreme Court say that the states have to provide a lawyer if an accused person cannot afford one. In a criminal trial, the accused have the right to an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed.
Seventh and Eighth Amendments
The Seventh Amendment says when one person sues another for more than $20, the accused has the right to a trial by jury. A judge cannot overturn the jury's decision. The Eighth Amendment says that bail and fines cannot be out of proportion to the crime with which a person is charged. It also says that punishment cannot be cruel or unusual. What is “cruel and unusual” is still debated today.
Ninth and Tenth Amendments
These two amendments cover rights not mentioned in the Constitution. The Ninth Amendment says that people have rights other than those mentioned in the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment says that people or states have all the rights not granted to the federal government by the Constitution.