The Constitution and the bill of rights
The Constitution of the United States was proposed on September 17, 1778, and it outlines the fundamentals laws of the land. In June of 1788, the Constitution was passed, after nine states ratified it. Since its ratification, 27 amendments, or alterations, have been made to the document. The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights consists of,
1. Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
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2. Right to keep and bear arms in order to maintain a well regulated militia.
3. No quartering of soldiers.
4. Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures.
5. Right to due process of law, freedom from self-incrimination, double jeopardy.
6. Rights of accused persons, e.g., right to a speedy and public trial.
7. Right of trial by jury in civil cases.
8. Freedom from excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishments.
9. Other rights of the people.
10. Powers reserved to the states.