The United States Bill of Rights consists of the first 10
amendments to the
United States Constitution. These amendments limit the powers of the
federal government, protecting the rights of all citizens, residents and visitors on United States territory. Among the enumerated rights these amendments guarantee are: the
freedoms of speech,
press, and
religion; the people's
right to keep and bear arms; the
freedom of assembly; the
freedom to petition; and the rights to be free of unreasonable
search and seizure;
cruel and unusual punishment; and compelled
self-incrimination. The Bill of Rights also restricts
Congress' power by prohibiting it from making any law respecting
establishment of religion and by prohibiting the federal government from depriving any person of life,
liberty, or
property without
due process of law. In criminal cases, it requires
indictment by
grand jury for any
capital or "infamous crime," guarantees a speedy public
trial with an impartial and local
jury, and prohibits
double jeopardy. In addition, the Bill of Rights states that "the enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people," and reserves all powers not granted to the Federal government to the
citizenry or
States.
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