10th Amendment: Powers of States and People (1791)

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. 

The picture to the right explains what the 10th Amendment states: What's not listed in the Constitution isn't within the federal governments power, but within the states' power.

9th Amendment: Rights of People (1791)

The ninth amendment makes it clear that all the rights spelled out in the Constitution aren't the end of rights as we know them. It makes it clear that there are rights reserved to people that aren't spelled out in the Constitution - Chris Barron

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

8th Amendment: Limits of Fines and Punishments (1791)

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

The cartoon shows an example of unusual punishment for the criminal in the chair. The 8th amendment ensures the right of no excessive bail or fine & no cruel or unusual punishments inflicted upon the people of the United States.

7th Amendment: Trial by Jury in Civil Cases (1791)

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, 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. 


Basically, the seventh amendment states that no court case will be looked at if the case is worth less than $20.

6th Amendment: Right to a Speedy, Public Trial (1791)

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. 


(Citizens of the U.S. get the right to a fair trial, as stated in the 6th Amendment)

5th Amendment: Rights of Accused Persons (1791)

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 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 offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.

4th Amendment: Search and Seizure (1791)

A warrant is needed to subject someone to search and seizure

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.