Hello everyone, my name's Jim Zmrazek. If you're like most Americans, you probably don't know what all the mumbo jumbo that is written in the Bill of Rights means, right?
However, deciphering this big chunck of text isn't as daunting a task as you'd think. For your ease of use, I've compiled everything into
an easy to read table. First I'll list the actual text, how it appears on the document. Although I'm not a seasoned historian, or anything
like that, I'll put my own simplified meaning of the text, and how come it was included in the Bill. First off, here is the small
introduction on the Bill of Rights:
"The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to
prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending
the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;"
The meaning of that is simple. When the Constitution was written, there were some loopholes, and missing pieces. Some people got together
and wrote a bunch of "revisions" if you will, to make sure that everything was fair.
Amendment |
Actual Text |
Simplified Text |
Why? |
I |
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 government can't pass any law that would prohibit the practice of any religion, limit free expression (in speech and in print),
or prohibit people from using peaceful methods to solve problems. |
In other countries, what you say and write could get you into big trouble with the government. If you would speak out against the
government, you wouldn't likely live to see another day. The founding fathers didn't want America to be like that, so they devised these
amendments to make sure that it could never happen. |
II |
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.
|
This means that the government can't pass any law that would take away people's rights to own a gun. |
Back when the Constitution was written, people were afraid that despite all the freedoms America offered, it could turn into a
monarchy or dictatorship. They created this amendment so the people would be able to fend of the government if they tried to take over.
Keep in mind, this was also when the musket was the principle firearm of the day, so everyone was packing the same amount of firepower. |
III |
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. |
This means that soldiers in the military can not stay in your house without your permission in a time of peace. Under certain
circumstances in a time of war, it may be permissible however. |
Back in colonial America, the people were forced to quarter British soldiers in their houses. Obviously this didn't stand well
with the residents, so that's how this amendment came to be. |
IV |
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.
|
Nobody can search your house or private property without a good reason. |
Before search warrents, there were writs of assistance. These were much broader in scope compared to search warrents, so people
were getting annoyed at their usage. This was one of the causes of the American Revolution. |
V |
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 offense 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.
|
In a nutshell, you can't be punished for a crime unless on trial in front of a grand jury. You can't be put on trial twice for the same crime (called
Double Jeopardy). You also can't incriminate yourself, so you can opt to "plead the fifth." |
Most of this amendment was taken from England's Magna Carta. Our founding founders thought it was a good idea and stuck it in. |
VI |
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 defense.
|
This law talks about the basis on how trials are conducted. It's the right for the accused to defend him/herself, to have an
impartial jury (so they don't have any bias against him/her), and to have a speedy trial (although the word "speedy" is open to
interpretation). |
This was another good idea to keep America away from becoming a monarchy or dictatorship. It helped make the accused innocent until
proven guilty, and not the other way around. |
VII |
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 reexamined in any court of the United States, than according
to the rules of the common law.
|
This law effects civil trials involving money. It also helps include the judge in determining the verdict. |
Again, it just seemed like a good idea. |
VIII |
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
|
Your bail or fines shouldn't empty out all your bank accounts. You also shouldn't be exposed to any kind of torture (think
medieval times). |
This helps out the common man, who may have made a little mistake. It makes sure, even as a criminal, he/she is treated with
some degree of respect. |
IX |
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
|
It makes sure that the Constitution can not be violated. |
What good is a document of law if its rules can be broken? This amendment addresses that problem. |
X |
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.
|
It makes sure that the government is only granted the powers that are in the Constitution. |
Again, this is to make sure that the government doesn't create a monarchy or dictatorship. |
Thanks for the read, and I hope that it helped clear up any issues you weren't sure of. Just in case, though, you can check out Wikipedia for more information. The amendments are taken exactly on how
they are in the Bill of Rights, and my interpretations were paraphrased from Wikipedia, and other articles. Feel free to check these out
as well.
GRSites: This website has tons of textures that look great on any webpage. It is where I got mine for this
page.
Bill of Rights Institute: This is another great website I found that touches up on
many other issues besides the Bill of Rights.
Google: When looking for any kind of research, there isn't a better place to start then right here.
