he base for all law in the United States is the U.S. Constitution. Written in 1787, it has served the country since it was approved by the States in 1789. The Constitution explains the important laws of the Federal government and defines the powers of the Federal and State governments, the Judicial system and the President.

There have been 27 additions to the Constitution, which are called Amendments. The first ten Amendments are known as The Bill of Rights. Added in 1791, the Bill of Rights describes important rights of the people of the country. The Constitution guarantees these rights and helps to protect the freedom of the people in the United States.

Bill of Rights

The following is a brief description of each of the Amendments in the Bill of Rights:

1) Freedom of speech, religion, the press, and assembly
2) Right to keep and bear arms
3) Right to not have to give food and a place to live to soldiers
4) Right to be secure—no one can search you, your home, or property without a warrant
5) Right not to testify against yourself, the right to have a lawyer, to confront witnesses against you
6) Right to a speedy trial by a jury of one’s peers, cannot be tried for the same crime twice
7) Right to a trial by jury
8) Bails, fines, and punishments must be fair and reasonable
9) No rights can be taken away because they are not listed in the Constitution
10) All powers that are not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people

Generally, the 17 other Amendments deal with the rights of the accused and with civil rights of the people.