| Term | Definition |
|---|
| first | freedom of speech, press, religion, separation of church and state, right to assemble in groups and hold demonstrations, right to criticize government officials and their actions. extends to the circulation of ideas in newspapers, books, magazines, radio, television, and movies |
| second | ensures citizens and the nations to the right of security (the right to bear arms) |
| third | prohibits the government from forcing people to quarter soldiers in their homes |
| fourth | protects the right to privacy; requires authorities to have a specific reason to search a premises or to seize evidence or people |
| fifth | no one can be tried for a serious crime unless a grand jury hasa decided there's enough evidence to justify a trial; a person found innocent of a crime may not be tried again for the same offense; no one may be forced to testify against himself/herself; the govermnent may not deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law |
| sixth | the right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury; the right to know the charges against them, so they may prepare a defense; the right to hear and question all witnesses against them and the right to compel witnesses to appear at the trial and testify in their behalf |
| seventh | the right to a jury trial in federal courts to settle all disputes about property worth more than $20 |
| eighth | prohibits excessive bail; prevents judges from odering someone convited of a crime to pay an excessive fine; bans "cruel and unusual punishment" for crimes |
| ninth | states that all other rights not spelled out in the Constitution are "retained by the people;" prevents government from claiming that the only rights of people have are those listed in the Bill of Rights |
| tenth | establishes that power not given to the national government -- or denied to the states -- by the Constitution belongs to the states or to the people |
| eleventh | (added in 1795) prohibits a state from being sued in a federal court by citizens of another state or of another nation |
| twelfth | (added in 1804) provides for the Electoral College to use separate ballots in voting for president and vice president |
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