• James Madison, who
helped write the
Constitution, drafted a
“Bill of Rights.”
• In 1791, 10 Amendments –
the BOR - were added
to the Constitution.
James Madison

• Guarantees five major
freedoms:
• Religion
• Press
• Speech
• Petition
• assembly

• Citizens have the right to bear arms,
and states have the right to form
militias.

• Soldiers cannot be
quartered (kept) in
private homes without
permission.

• Freedom from
search and
seizure
(something
being taken)...
• Search
warrants have
to be based on
probable
cause.

• No “double
jeopardy”,
self-incrimination,
or taking away
due process.
• The government
cannot take away
your stuff (eminent domain) without
compensating you.

• Right to a public
and speedy trial
by an impartial
jury.
• Right to know what
you’ve been
charged with.
• Right to confront
witnesses.
• Right to an attorney.

Right to a jury in civil
lawsuits.

• No cruel or
unusual
punishments
for crimes.

• It’s impossible to create a list of
everything you are entitled / have a
right to.
• Meaning: the
Constitution
provides a
floor, but not
a ceiling for
your rights.

Powers reserved to
the states and the
people.