The Bill of Rights
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Introduction
We should all probably know these by heart, but alas, surveys show that fewer than 20% of Americans can list more than two. For some reason, most people attribute these to Jefferson, but it was actually James Madison who drafted the first twelve amendments. The first two were never ratiufied.
1
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
(cont) of grievances.
My personal favorite. It allws me to say, "Dick Cheney is a fascist." withot being sent to a gulag.
My personal favorite. It allws me to say, "Dick Cheney is a fascist." withot being sent to a gulag.
2
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.
My least favorite. Most gun guys overlook the first phrase. Personally, I doubt that the framers anticipated assault weapons, and if they did, they were wrong. I mean, let's face it, they were just the Bill Frists and Ted Kennedys of the 1780s.
3
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.
Sort of weird. what they thought was important.
4
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
(cont) describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
One of several Amendments commonly overlooked by this administratioin. I can't find the part that says, all rules are off in times of "war."
One of several Amendments commonly overlooked by this administratioin. I can't find the part that says, all rules are off in times of "war."
5
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
(cont) 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.
Long, but very important. Most people know the "take the Fifth" part, but it also prohibits internment. Another one the current administration ignores. I can't find anything about "enemy combatants," or all rules being off if you hold people outside the country.
Long, but very important. Most people know the "take the Fifth" part, but it also prohibits internment. Another one the current administration ignores. I can't find anything about "enemy combatants," or all rules being off if you hold people outside the country.
6
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
(cont) have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Another one the neo-cons ignore. Are you starting to see a pattern here.
Another one the neo-cons ignore. Are you starting to see a pattern here.
7
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
(cont) the common law.
The right to a jury trial.
The right to a jury trial.
8
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Define excessive. Define cruel. Define unusual. Not well thought out.
9
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
I think Jim was sort of running out of steam here.
10
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.
Most people don't know this one. It says, "If it isn't prohibited herein, it's up to the States." The States Rights guys have used this oiver the years to justify segregation, and overturn Roe v Wade. Again, in my view, not well drafted.
Actually they were 1 and 2. 1 was about the number and apportionment of members of the House of Representatives. 2 limited the ability of Congress to increase the salaries of its members. It later became the 27th Amendment.
Thank you. You may be one of the most well read/educated people I have come across in a very long time and it's totally appreciated.
Thank you!!!! I didn't know we still had the Bill Of Rights or used anything other than Cheney's Bill of Rights. Our government does what it wants and we seem to let them do it.
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