The Little Book On Line A Study Guide for the Ohio Ninth-Grade Citizenship Proficiency Test

D. Bill of Rights

RELATED WORDS

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are often referred to as the Bill of Rights. These amendments guarantee our basic rights which the government cannot take away. Some of the rights guaranteed by the first eight amendments are: Freedom of religion. Freedom of speech. Freedom of the press. Freedom of assembly (to meet together). Freedom to petition for redress (correction) of grievances (complaints). No excessive bail. No search or seizure without a proper warrant. No self-incrimination (testifying or speaking agaist one's self while under oath, as in a court of law). No double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same crime). No cruel or unusual punishment. Right to counsel. (The court will provide an attorney, if the accused person cannot provide one). Right to due process (fair treatment according to the law). The Ninth Amendment states that individuals have more rights than just those listed in the Bill of Rights. The Tenth Amendment states that powers not specifically given to the national govenment are reserved for the states or the people.

• Vocabulary Drill
• Homework Questions

 
 

Links to Additional Information

• Full text and image of the Bill of Rights (National Archives)
• Brief History of the Bill of Rights (American Civil Liberties Union)

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