United States Bill of Rights facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids United States Bill of Rights
First page of an original copy of the twelve proposed articles of amendment, as passed by Congress
Created	September 25, 1789
Ratified	December 15, 1791
Location	National Archives
Authors	1st United States Congress, mainly James Madison

The Bill of Rights is a very important part of the United States Constitution. It is the name for the first ten amendments, or changes, to the Constitution. These amendments were added to make sure the U.S. government does not become too powerful. They also protect the basic rights and freedoms of all people in the United States.

James Madison wrote these amendments in 1789. His ideas came from important beliefs about what rights people should have. The Bill of Rights became official in 1791. This happened after three-fourths of the states agreed to them. Originally, there were 12 proposed amendments. However, only ten were approved by enough states at that time.

Understanding the Bill of Rights
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Understanding the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights makes sure that people have certain freedoms. It also sets limits on what the government can do. Each amendment protects a different right. Let's look at what each one means for you.

First Amendment: Your Freedoms

The First Amendment protects several important freedoms. It says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

This means the government cannot create an official religion for the country. It also cannot stop people from practicing their own religion. Everyone is free to believe what they choose.

"...or abridging the freedom of speech"

This means the government cannot stop people from saying what they think. This includes many ways people express themselves, like through art. However, this freedom does not let people say things that harm others' rights. For example, you cannot threaten someone's life.

"...or of the press"

This means the government cannot stop newspapers or other news sources from reporting the news. This helps keep people informed.

"...or of the right of the people to peaceably assemble..."

This means people can gather together to protest or share their ideas. They can have rallies or marches. But these gatherings must be peaceful and not violent.

"...and to petition the government for redress of grievances."

This means people can complain to the government about things they do not like. They can ask the government to fix problems.

Second Amendment: Right to Bear Arms

The Second Amendment says: "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."

This means people have the right to own firearms. This right is often discussed and debated.

Third Amendment: No Quartering of Soldiers

The Third Amendment says: "No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house he consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."

This means people cannot be forced to let soldiers live in their homes. This was an important issue during the time the U.S. was forming.

Fourth Amendment: Protecting Your Privacy

The Fourth Amendment protects your privacy. It says: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated..."

The government cannot search you or your property without a good reason. It also cannot take your property without a good reason.

"...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."

A search warrant is a paper that gives police permission to search property. It can only be given if there is a good reason to believe a crime happened. The warrant must clearly describe what is being searched or taken.

Fifth Amendment: Your Rights in Court

The Fifth Amendment protects people accused of crimes. It says: "No person shall be held to answer for any 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..."

If someone is accused of a very serious crime, they have the right to a grand jury. This jury decides if there is enough evidence for a trial. This rule is different for people in the military during war.

"...nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb..."

If someone is found not guilty of a crime, they cannot be tried again for the same crime. This is called double jeopardy.

"...nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself..."

Someone cannot be forced to say things in court that would hurt their own case. This is often called "taking the Fifth."

"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."

The government cannot punish you by taking your freedom or property without following fair legal steps first. This means you have a right to a hearing, a judge, or a jury trial. Also, if the government needs your private property for public use, they must pay you fairly for it.

Sixth Amendment: Fair Trials

The Sixth Amendment ensures fair trials. It says: "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 where in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law..."

If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to a quick and public trial. The trial cannot be secret. You also have the right to a jury that will decide your case fairly. The trial must happen in the area where the crime took place.

"...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..."

You have the right to know why you are accused of a crime. You can also ask questions to any witnesses who speak against you. You have the right to have witnesses who can speak in your favor.

"...and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense."

You have the right to have a lawyer help you defend yourself in court.

Seventh Amendment: Civil Cases

The Seventh Amendment deals with civil cases. It says: "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 re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law."

If someone sues another person over something worth at least $20, it's a civil trial. In these cases, people have the right to a jury trial. The jury's decision is usually final.

Eighth Amendment: Fair Punishments

The Eighth Amendment protects people from unfair punishments. It says: "Excessive bail shall not be required..."

If someone is arrested, they cannot be asked to pay too much money for bail. Bail is money paid to get out of jail before a trial. If they show up for trial, they get the money back.

"nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

If a jury finds someone guilty, their punishment cannot be too harsh or cruel. They also cannot be forced to pay a very high amount of money as a fine.

Ninth Amendment: Other Rights

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

This means that people have other rights, even if those rights are not specifically written down in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment: State and People's Powers

The Tenth Amendment talks about powers not given to the federal government. It says: "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."

If the Constitution does not specifically give a power to the U.S. government, then that power belongs to the state governments or to the people. This helps balance power between the federal and state governments.

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On June 5, 1788, Patrick Henry spoke against the Constitution at Virginia's ratification convention.
George Washington's 1788 letter to the Marquis de Lafayette about Massachusetts adopting the Constitution. Source: Library of Congress
James Madison, who was the main author of the Bill of Rights.