U.S. Constitutional Amendments Overview

First Amendment

• Guarantees five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
• Protects the freedom to practice any religion or no religion at all.
• Safeguards freedom of expression, including speech and the press.
• Allows individuals to assemble peacefully and petition the government.
• Recognizes exceptions to these rights, indicating that the government can restrict certain actions in specific circumstances.

Second Amendment

• Enshrines the right to bear arms.
• Has been a subject of significant debate and legal interpretation.

Third Amendment

• Prevents the government from forcing citizens to quarter soldiers in their homes during peacetime.
• Allows the government to quarter soldiers in private homes in wartime if authorized by law.

Fourth Amendment

• Protects the right to privacy.
• Law enforcement officers must obtain a warrant from a judge to search and seize property or individuals.
• Judges must have probable cause to issue warrants.
• Warrants must specifically describe the place to be searched and the items or persons to be seized.
• Certain exceptions exist to the warrant requirement.

Fifth Amendment

• Protects the rights of the accused.
• Guarantees due process of law.
• Requires a grand jury indictment for serious federal crimes.
• Prohibits double jeopardy – being tried twice for the same crime.
• Protects against self-incrimination, giving individuals the right to remain silent.

Sixth Amendment

• Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial.
• Ensures an impartial jury trial.
• Grants the right to confront witnesses against the accused.
• Provides the right to legal representation, even if the accused cannot afford it.