1. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to address concerns that the original document did not sufficiently protect individual liberties and to ensure the ratification of the Constitution by states wary of a strong central government.
2. James Madison proposed the Bill of Rights in Congress, drawing from state constitutions and the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and it was ratified by the states in 1791.
3. The First Amendment protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
4. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants to be issued based on probable cause.
5. The Fifth Amendment protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and ensures due process of law; it also requires just compensation for private property taken for public use.
6. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, notice of charges, confrontation of witnesses, and counsel for the defense.
7. The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.
8. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states to the states or the people.
9. The Fourteenth Amendment grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and guarantees equal protection under the law.
10. The Ninth Amendment states that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not deny or disparage others retained by the people.
11. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
12. The Fifteenth Amendment prohibits the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
13. The Nineteenth Amendment granted women the right to vote.
14. The Twenty-Fourth Amendment prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.
15. The Twenty-Sixth Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of i have rights worksheet.
