The Importance Of The First Ten Amendments

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The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments in the United States of America’s Constitution. When the United States of America’s Constitution was first written the Bill of Rights was left out. The Founding Fathers of America did not believe common rights had to be secured for the reason that federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances would prohibit the federal government from having too much authority. The Founding Fathers said they would make changes to the United States Constitution to give these rights to the people. James Madison first said there should be twelve Amendments, and believe it or not Congress passed this, and in 1791 ten, not all twelve were approved. Once these ten Amendments were approved it was given the name, the …show more content…
The First Amendment gives the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, the freedom of assembly and association, and the freedom of the press. The Second Amendment gives the right to hold and bear arms (guns, etc.). The Third Amendment bans housing soldiers in homes during peacetime. The Fourth Amendment bans unreasoned searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment gives right to a grand jury in criminal cases and right to due process. The Fifth Amendment bans double jeopardy, more than one trial for the same offense, compulsory self-incrimination, taking private property without just compensation. The Sixth Amendment gives right to speedy trial, right to public trial, right to jury trial in criminal cases, right to present favorable witnesses, and right to counsel. The Seventh Amendment gives right to jury trial in civil cases. The Eighth Amendment bans excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishment. Amendment number nine states that these rights are not the only rights that Americans hold. The Tenth Amendment states that all powers that are not given to the national government are handed down to the state