The Bill of Rights

Understanding the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments establish important protections for individual liberty and place limits on government power. Select an amendment below to explore its protections.

• Amendment I Freedom of religion, speech, and the press; the right to assemble peacefully and petition the government.
• Amendment II The right to keep and bear arms.
• Amendment IV Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, including requirements governing search warrants.
• Amendment V Protections involving grand jury proceedings, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process of law, and compensation for private property taken for public use.
• Amendment VI Rights of the accused in criminal prosecutions, including a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, notice of charges, confrontation of witnesses, compulsory process for obtaining witnesses, and assistance of counsel.
• Amendment VII The right to a jury trial in certain civil cases.
• Amendment VIII Protection against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.