But don't take my word for it

L is studying the constitution in school this year. Oh, how well I remember my own 7th grade introduction to civic responsibility. If you don't remember your studies, then go find the United States Constitution online, or just follow the handy-dandy link provided, and read it! (freaky. The government link only provides the first part, not the amendments. It also does not list the parts that have been changed by various amendments. WTF? An accurate version of the first part can be found here.)

I'm going to paraphrase the first 10 amendments, although the entire document is interesting. Most people don't really care about the first bit that outlines our government, so I'm skipping that part.


Amendment 1

Congress shall make no laws about an establishment of religion, Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Congress shall make no law that lessens, diminishes or curtails 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. (This is pretty explicit. Congress isn't allowed to make certain laws that might infringe on personal freedoms)

Amendment 2

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.
(Citizens have the right to own and use guns and other weapons, the idea being that we should know how to use weapons in case our country needs the people to defend itself.)

Amendment 3

No Soldier shall live in a civilian home during peacetime without the consent of the Owner. No soldier shall live in a civilian home in time of war, except in a manner to be prescribed by law. (This prevents the problem the colonists had with having British troops living in their homes)

Amendment 4

The people have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. Warrants shall only be issued upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and the warrant must particularly describe the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. (self explanitory)

Amendment 5

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the Military when in actual service in time of War or public danger. No person shall be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb. No person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself. (re: taking the fifth, emphasis mine.) No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. (Again, pretty clear)

Amendment 6

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
(For criminal prosecutions -everybody gets a lawyer, witnesses, is told what they're accused of, gets their trial in the area the crime happened in, gets to be tried by a jury, and it has to happen "quickly")

Amendment 7

In civil suits where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, you have the right to a trial by a jury, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. (In civil cases, we have the right to a trial by jury. Once tried by a jury, the case shall not be reexamined in any court -unless common law provides for it)

Amendment 8

(this one's pretty straightforward)
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment 9

(Listing rights in the Constitution should not be seen or used as a way to deny or disparage other rights retained by the people.)

Amendment 10

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.