The document summarizes the key points of the first 10 amendments of the US Bill of Rights in simpler language. It explains that Congress cannot make laws about religion, freedom of speech, or the right to petition the government (1st). People have the right to own guns to defend themselves (2nd). Soldiers cannot be housed in private homes without permission (3rd). Authorities need a warrant based on evidence of criminal activity to search private property (4th). People cannot be tried twice for the same crime and do not have to testify against themselves (5th). Individuals are entitled to a speedy trial by jury and legal representation (6th). Civil cases also have the right to trial by jury (7th).

1. Bill of Rights Rewrite By Ella

2. Congress can't make a law about religion, keep you from saying what you want, or stop you from asking the government to change something. In our words – congress cant stop your religion. Congress can’t stop your words you can ask them to make changes. Amendment 1 http://www.merinews.com/upload/thumbimage/1227196220862_World_Religion_t.gif

3. Congress can't stop people from having and carrying weapons, because we need to be able to defend ourselves. In our words – congress can’t stop you from owning weapons to protect themselves. Amendment 2 http://www.toppun.com/Cool_Free_Stuff/Free_Posters/Ohio_Coalition_Against_Gun_Violence_Weapon_Free_Zone_free_poster.gif

4. You don't have to let soldiers live in your house, except if there is a war, and even then only if Congress has passed a law about it. In our words – soldiers are not allowed in your house without permission. Amendment 3 http://www.sc.edu/oppa/law.jpg

5. Nobody can search your body, or your house, or your papers and things, unless they can prove to a judge that they have a good reason to think you have committed a crime. In our words – Nobody can go through your stuff unless they prove they have a good reason. http://www.prlog.org/10088282-property-for-sale.jpg Amendment 4 http://www.prlog.org/10088282-property-for-sale.jpg

6. You can't be tried if there's not enough evidence. If the jury decides you are innocent, you can’t be tried again. You don’t have to say anything at your trial. In our words – if you are innocent they can’t take anything away. You can’t go to court twice. You don’t have to talk. Amendment 5 http://www.jud.state.ct.us/external/imgs/supapp/SupremeFade_address.jpeg

7. You have a right to a quick trial. The trial has to be public. The case has to have a jury of ordinary people. You have to know what you are accused of, to see and hear the witnesses against you, and to get help with witnesses and a lawyer. In our words – if you can’t be kept in jail forever . You can’t keep the trial a secret . You can get help with a lawyer. Amendment 6 http://condodomain.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/chicago-mls-jail.jpg

8. You also have the right to a jury when it is a civil case (a law case between two people rather than between you and the government). In our words –you have the right to a jury of regular people. Amendment 7 http://images.google.com/hosted/life/f?q=Martin+Luther+Jr.+King+source:life&prev=/images%3Fq%3DMartin%2BLuther%2BJr.%2BKing%2Bsource:life%26hl%3Den&imgurl=7e1a9374682caf44

9. Just because these rights are listed in the Constitution doesn't mean that you don't have other rights too. In our words –you may have right that are not in the Bill of Rights. Amendment 9 http://www.iamanactivist.org/images/human_rights_left.jpg

10. Anything that the Constitution doesn't say that Congress can do should be left up to the states, or to the people. In our words – if congress doesn’t make a law ,it up to the state and the people to decide. Amendment 10 http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/ccr/us-regions_files/us-states.gif