Bill of Rights Vocabulary
Directions: Write the definition of each word below and place the Amendment number where the term is
used after the definition in parenthesis.
civil rights - Every citizens freedoms and liberties.
slander – If you speak falsehoods about someone and it damages their reputation, you could be
sued.
libel - If you write (publish) falsehoods about someone and it damages their reputation, you
could be sued.
quarter – To house troops.
search warrant – Issued by a judge – law enforcement must prove probable cause.
probable cause – To show good reason to search a home because it will be likely to uncover
evidence.
grand jury – A jury that decides if there is good reason to believe the accused person is guilty.
double jeopardy – being a risk, or jeopardy, for trial a second time, even if found innocent in
the first trial.
due process – the guidelines that protect a persons rights during legal proceedings.
eminent domain – The government’s power to take private property for public use. Ex.
highways.
Bill of Rights
Amendment #1: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition the government
Created because: the colonists didn’t want government censorship, wanted religious freedom.
Issues today: Ability to protest, (Iran – no rights, arrests) free to express yourself.
Amendment #2: The right to bear arms.
Created because: States wanted to be able to protect themselves.
Issues today: gun control, NRA supports.
Amendment #3: Government cannot require that soldiers be kept in private homes.
Created because: Soldiers cannot force people to let them stay in their homes.
Issues today: Outdated.
Amendment #4: Search and Seizure
Created because: To protect the rights of the accused people. Protects the right to privacy. Need a search
warrant.
Issues today: _____________________________________________________________
Amendment #5: Rights of person accused of a crime.
Created because: Cannot be tried for a major crime unless indicted . Protected from double jeopardy, due
process, eminent domain.
Issues today: _____________________________________________________________
Amendment #6: Right to a fair and speedy trial.
Created because: You will go to trial quickly – especially if you are in jail.
Issues today:_____________________________________________________________
Amendment #7: Trial by jury in civil suits.
Created because: You can sue or be sued over individual rights or legal obligations – ex. money owed, contract,
poor workmanship.
Issues today: OJ Simpson’s wife’s family sued OJ in civil court.
Amendment #8: Bail and Punishment
Created because: Bail and punishment must fit the crime. A shoplifter cannot be sentenced to life in prison.
Issues today: _____________________________________________________________
Amendment #9: Powers reserved to the people.
Created because: Made sure the listed rights were not the only rights for the people.
Issues today: ____________________________________________________________
Amendment #10: Powers reserved to the state.
Created because: The state’s wanted to maintain power within their states.
Issues today: ________________________________________________