Bill of Rights

The United States Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, ratified on 15 December 1791. The bill was the work of the Anti-Federalists/Democratic-Republican Party, who saw the need to give more rights to the American people, especially the south. James Madison fathered the bill, with the amendments guaranteeing:

1. Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petitions.
2. Right to bear arms.
3. No soldiers can be quartered in civilian houses without permission.
4. No seizure of property or searching of houses without a warrant.
5. Right to trial before jury and to avoid self-incrimination.
6. A speedy public trial with assistance of a lawyer.
7. In lawsuits, the money awarded must be over $20, and no person can be re-examined in any court after their trial is over.
8. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, or cruel nor unusual punishments inflicted.
9. The enumeration of rights cannot deny or disparage other rights.
10. The powers not delegated in the bill or the constitution are delegated to the Statees.