It guarantees us our rights around the country while determining the powers and duties of the government. What is an amendment? Each article in our constitution is an amendment. They are our basic principles or laws that we as a nation follow. Changes can be made to amendments or new amendments can be added to the constitution in order to improve legislation. There are thirty-three amendments that have been passed by Congress. Legislature has confirmed twenty-seven of those thirty-three to be rarified into our constitution. In this article we will discuss our constitution and the bill of rights that lies within.
Within our Constitution is our Bill of Rights…
For those about to ask, the first ten amendments of the US Constitution are the Bill of Rights. It’s usually the first five amendments that people say most often when asked to name a few that they know. Did you know that the amendments can have more than one subject matter to them? For example, What is the first amendment? You probably answered, “It’s our freedom of speech.” What about your freedom of assembly or freedom to petition the government? Our first amendment is more than the right to say whatever comes to one’s mind.
Our Bill of Rights…
- No laws shall be made prohibiting one’s rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly to peaceful protest or religion.
- Our second amendment is one that confused me when I was younger. Why would we need an amendment to wear short sleeves and bare our arms? Then I found out that it meant that we have the right to secure and protect our freedom and state by defending our country and ourselves.
- Back in history there was a time when one had to house soldiers during time of war or peace and it didn’t matter if they gave their consent. There were some that had their property taken away from them to be used by the soldiers. This amendment protects homes and properties from unlawful intrusions by soldiers and gives the people the power to say no.
- Our fourth amendment is an important one to remember that protects us and our property from unlawful searches and seizures. Now with that being said a lot of times people make the mistake of having something in plain view. One of my favorite sayings in photography is that the eyes can not be trespassed. If a person is in a public area; anything or anyone in plain view can be photographed or recorded.
- This amendment is one that is underrated in my opinion. People joke about pleading the fifth. When adrenaline is flowing one tends to forget that they have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. Now don’t forget that there is more to the fifth amendment than our right against self-incrimination. We also have what’s known as Double Jeopardy; it keeps us from being tried twice for the same crime. This amendment also keeps one’s property from being seized without just compensation.
- You have the right to be informed of all charges placed against you and the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of one’s peers.
- Our seventh amendment is the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases.
- The eighth amendment bars excessive bail amounts, excessive fines imposed and protects one against cruel and unusual punishment.
- Our constitution is a group of specific rights for the people and government to follow. Our rights are not limited to what is written down in our constitution. Not all of our rights are spelled out and listed specifically in the US constitution.
- This is a reminder that the federal government only has those powers delegated to them in the constitution. If it isn’t listed than it belongs to the state and the people.
The More You Know…
It is very important for you to know your basic rights, our US Constitution and the law of the land. When you have more knowledge you give yourself the upper hand and a stronger stance! Our Constitution and the Bill of Rights that Lies Within only goes over a handful of your rights and they are paraphrased in the article. It’s important to do your own research and exercise your brain whenever you can.
Thank you for taking the time to read ‘Our Constitution and the Bill of Rights that Lies Within’. Be sure to check back frequently for more articles and blogs.
AJR
