What is the Bill of Rights, which many know as constitutional amendments, and why should we know them? These questions are often asked through the lens of children and pre-teens who may hear about them in movies, shows, or even conversations. Some adults may not be aware of their rights as well, lacking knowledge of the Constitution of the United States and their natural-born rights.
In this article, I will be explaining some amendments that I think are important. People should not only have a basic understanding of these but also be aware that they are entitled to know them.
First Amendment:
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.
In other words, we as the people have the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the freedom of assembly. Not only does this amendment protect our freedom of speech, but it also protects and guarantees the freedom of religion and the right to petition the government.
Four Amendment:
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.
To simplify, the police do not have the right to search a person’s private property without a signed warrant.
Fifth Amendment:
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless of a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when it actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence 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.
To better put this, you have the right not to testify in court if you feel it might put yourself at risk of consequences. (Yes, this is what the saying, “You have a right to remain silent,” means.)
Fourteenth Amendment:
Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
What this means, this amendment grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. and ensures that no state can take away your right to life, liberty, or property without the proper legal process. This amendment also requires that all states provide all people equal protection under the law.
Fifteenth Amendment:
Section 1: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude…
Section 2: The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. To put this more simply, any citizen, race, color, or previous conditions, has the right to vote.
Nineteenth Amendment:
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
In other words, any citizen may vote regardless of whether they identify as female, male, or non-binary.
For many years now, amendments have been around to keep our rights in check. As citizens, we should at least have some knowledge of this to help keep us out of trouble and also to remind us that we, as citizens of the United States, are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Although I’ve reviewed some important amendments, it would still be wise for citizens to look at the remaining amendments at the National Constitution Center.
