Amendments 1-10 (1791)
Amendment 1. Religious and Political Freedom
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibitiny the free execise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress or grievances. (
1st Amendment)
Amendment 2. Right to Bear Arms
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. (
2nd Amendment)
Amendment 3. Quartering Troops
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. (
3rd Amendment)
Amendment 4. 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. (
4th Amendment)
Amendment 5. Right of Accused Persons
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. (
5th Amendment)
Amendment 6. Right to a Speedy, Public Trial
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. (
6th Amendment)
Amendment 7. Trial by Jury in Civil Cases
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. (
7th Amendment)
Amendment 8. Limits of Fines and Punishments
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines
imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. (
8th Amendment)
Amendment 9. Rights of People
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall
not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. (
9th Amendment)
Amendment 10. Powers of States and People
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. (
10th Amendment)
