Breaking Down the First Ten Amendments of the US Constitution

December 15 is Bill of Rights Day. On this day in 1791, the US government proposed the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution, following a debate over ratifying the Constitution. The goal was to add guaranteed freedoms and rights for citizens, as well as limitations on government powers. Read about these 10 amendments below.

The First Amendment: freedom of speech, religion, the press, to assemble, to protest
The Second Amendment: right to bear arms
The Third Amendment: prevention of soldiers using homes without permission
The Fourth Amendment: prevention of unreasonable search and seizure
The Fifth Amendment: right against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, due process of law
The Sixth Amendment: right to a speedy and public trial
The Seventh Amendment: right to a jury trial of your peers
The Eighth Amendment: prevention of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment
The Ninth Amendment: guarantee of all rights not included in the Constitution
The Tenth Amendment: powers not held by federal government belong to state governments

You can read more detail on the 10 amendments at the National Archives website. Download and print this free graphic organizer to highlight these 10 amendments and display at home.

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