The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights guarantees five basic freedoms to the citizens of the United States. These freedoms are presented in the 10 amendments in the bill of rights. The first amendment lists out these freedoms which are freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition. The second amendment guarantees the citizens the right to bear arms and form state militias but the federal and state governments claim the right to regulate firearms. 

   The third amendments is the amendment that bans the stationing of military soldiers in homes of civilians during peace time which was a big issue around the 1700s. The fourth amendment prevents unreasonable searches and seizures by authorities because they have no right to search peoples property without a just or probable cause. The fifth amendment keeps someone from not being charged  by the same crime twice known as Double Jeopardy and self incrimination which can't make a criminal be a witness against yourself. The sixth amendment provides the right to a fair trial guarantees a speedy trial by a jury in criminal cases and the accused also has the right to be represented by a lawyer. 

The seventh amendment guarantees right to jury trial in civil cases which are cases that do not involve criminal conduct. The eight amendment bans excessive bail and punishment, courts can not impose unreasonable punishments. The ninth amendment guarantees the rights retained by the people and covers rights that are not listed in the constitution such as gay rights and abortion rights. The tenth amendment ensures state's rights but federal law always supersedes state law.