"The Bill of Rights"

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging 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.

The amendment begins "Congress shall make no law" indicating that what follows are things that the government cannot do. As the entire document establishes the rule of law throughout the land, this is a limitation on the laws the government can make (institute). Look these up!

'respecting' means with reference to or in regard to or relating to
'establishment' means to set up, start, launch, create
'an establishment of religion' means, for example, a church
'to prohibit' means to prevent or 'to not allow'
'abridging" means limiting or shortening or lessening
'petition' means to appeal or formally request
'redress' means to rectify, restore or to put right
'grievances' are complaints, objections, injustices

The first amendment is what gives Americans the following freedoms (rights):

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of the Press

Freedom to assemble (demonstrate, work in groups)

Freedom to petition (to ask the government to change)

Amendment II

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.

'regulated' means controlled or restricted
'militia' means an armed force of citizen soldiers
'State' here means country or nation
'infringe' means to interfere or violate

This is the amendment that people rely on for the right to bear arms (own guns). It states that the federal government cannot interfere with the citizens' right to own a gun.

Amendment III

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.

'be quartered' does not mean to be cut into four parts.  It means that citizens cannot be forced to allow soldiers to live in their homes or be forced to provide room and board.

This was one of the abuses of the colonists by the British soldiers. This was listed in the Declaration of Independence and caused enormous difficulties for the people of the original 13 colonies (see next chapter).

Amendment IV

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.

'secure' means safe
'persons' means one's body, one's physical self
'seizures' means someone coming into your home and taking things
a 'warrant' is a call for or a demand and refers to a document demanding something from someone, such as a 'warrant for one's arrest' which means the government wants someone.
'probable' means likely

This is the amendment that guarantees that the government cannot hurt us or harm our possessions or enter our homes without provable reasons (probable cause).

Amendment V

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 offence 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.

a 'capital' crime is a crime which carries the penalty of death
'infamous' means 'well known for something bad or harmful' or 'notorious'
a 'presentment' is a presentation
an 'indictment' is a condemnation or denunciation
a grand jury is a group of people, usually 20 to 30, who act to decide whether a crime has been committed
'naval' means having to do with the Navy or the sea
'jeopardy' means danger or risk
'due process' means according to the procedures of the law

This amendment assures the following freedoms:

1. that citizens cannot be arrested unless there is a warrant for the arrest
2. that citizens cannot be tried more than once for the same crime (no double jeopardy)
3. that citizens cannot be forced to testify against him or herself (known as 'pleading the fifth)
4. that the legal enforcers (police) must follow the rules and procedures of the law (due process)
5. that citizens have the right to private property

 

Copyright: 2004 English 4 All, Inc.