Bil of Rights

In the United States, the Bill of Rights is the name by which the first ten amendments to the U. S. Constitution are known. It was introduced by James Madison to the First U.S. Congress in 1791 as a series of constitutional amendments. The Bill of Rights came into effect on December 15, 1791 when about three fourths of the states were ratified. The bill of rights limits the power of the Federal government of the United States so it is protecting the rights of all of the citizens, residents and visitors on the United States territory.

Now the Bill of Rights protects ten amendments and they are freedom of speech, press and religion. Next is the right to keep and bear arms, then protection from quartering of troops, then the freedom of petition and prohibits unreasonable search and seizure. Next is due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain, then it is to have the right to have a speedy trial by jury, next is a civil trial by jury. Now the last ones are prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment, protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights. and finally power to states and people.

Now the Bill of Rights protected all of these rights, but many people don’t really get what these ten amendments are all about. The first amendment was freedom of speech, press and religion. This amendment means that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”. So that mostly means that Congress cannot make any law stating to what you can say, your religion, and with the press.

The Second Amendment is the right to bear arms. So that means that “a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. Which means that people can bear arms to protect themselves.

The third amendment is protection from quartering of troops. So that means that “No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.” Which means that no soldier shall be able to live in a strangers house without the consent of the owner during time of war or any other time.

The Fourth Amendment is the Protection from unreasonable search and seizure. So that means that The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. No one can be searched without a warrant.

The Fifth amendment is due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain. Which means that “No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of