The Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791. Read the original words, a plain-English version, and what each one means for you.
At first the Bill of Rights limited only the federal government; since the 14th Amendment (1868), the Supreme Court has applied most of it to state and local governments too.
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition
In plain English
The government can't set up an official religion or stop you from practicing yours. It generally can't punish you for what you say or publish, and you can gather peacefully and ask the government to fix problems.
What it means for you
You can write to an official, speak at a public meeting or join a peaceful protest. Courts have said a few kinds of speech, like true threats, aren't protected.
Original text: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.The right to keep and bear arms
In plain English
The people's right to keep and bear arms can't be infringed. The text also mentions a well regulated militia.
What it means for you
The Supreme Court has said this protects an individual's right to keep a gun, and carry one in public, for self-defense, and that some gun laws are still allowed. Courts keep deciding where that line is.
Original text: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.No soldiers housed in your home
In plain English
In peacetime, the government can't make you house soldiers in your home without your OK. In wartime, only as the law allows.
What it means for you
It mattered in 1791, after Britain made the colonies house and supply British troops. Courts rarely deal with it today, but it reflects the idea that your home is private.
Original text: No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.Protection from unreasonable searches
In plain English
The government can't search you, your home or your things, or take them, without a good reason. A search warrant needs probable cause and must say what and where.
What it means for you
Police usually need a warrant to search your home. There are exceptions, like when you agree to a search or in a real emergency, and courts decide the details case by case.
Original text: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.Rights when accused of a crime, and fair treatment by the government
In plain English
You can't be tried twice for the same crime or forced to testify against yourself. The government must follow fair legal steps (due process) before taking your life, freedom or property, and must pay fairly if it takes property for public use.
What it means for you
The "right to remain silent" that police must tell you about comes from this amendment's rule that you can't be forced to be a witness against yourself.
Original text: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.Rights at a criminal trial
In plain English
If you're charged with a crime, you get a speedy, public trial, with a fair jury for more serious charges. You must be told the charges, can question witnesses against you, can call your own witnesses, and can have a lawyer.
What it means for you
The Supreme Court has said that if you can't afford a lawyer, the government must provide one in felony cases and before you can be sentenced to jail.
Original text: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.Jury trials in civil cases
In plain English
In many lawsuits in federal court, you have the right to a jury. Facts a jury decides can't simply be overturned by another court.
What it means for you
It applies in federal courts, not state courts, but most states give a similar right in their own constitutions.
Original text: In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.No excessive bail or cruel punishment
In plain English
Bail and fines can't be excessive, and punishments can't be cruel and unusual.
What it means for you
Courts use this amendment to decide what punishments go too far.
Original text: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.Rights not listed still count
In plain English
Just because a right isn't listed in the Constitution doesn't mean the people don't have it.
What it means for you
The list in the Constitution isn't the full list of your rights.
Original text: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.Powers kept by the states and the people
In plain English
Powers the Constitution doesn't give the federal government, and doesn't forbid to the states, belong to the states or the people.
What it means for you
It's one reason many rules, like school rules and driver's license rules, can be different in each state.
Original text: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.These summaries are general information, not legal advice. Courts decide exactly how each right applies. Source: National Archives transcript