As Americans We Have Rights

All of the rights granted to people who live in the US legally begin with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The first 10 amendments listed in the Bill or Rights are considered a part of the Constitution.

The first amendment says that the congress can not enact any laws pertaining to religion, or stop people from going to the Government to "petition" to have an issue solved. It also says that the government can not enact laws that prohibit the free exercise of religion or of speech or the press.

The second amendment says that we may keep and bear arms, as this is a necessary part of securing a free State.

The third amendment says that no house can be converted to a barracks for soldiers in peace time unless the owner consents. In time of war, a house may be used only as described by law.

The fourth amendment states that personal property can not be seized or search without a warrant being issued. A warrant can not be issued without probable cause.

The fifth amendment says that a person can not be locked up or lose his property without "due process of the law," nor shall he be forced to testify against himself. It also says that a person can only be tried once for any crime. It also says the the laws pertaining to the armed forces are not the same as listed in the fifth amendment.

The sixth, seventh, eighth amendments concern both civil and criminal trials.

The ninth amendment says that the rights granted in the Constitution are not intended to interfere with the duties of employees of the government.

The tenth amendment says that any power not given to the US government by the Constitution or not allowed the government by the individual states belong to the individual states or the people.

These are the most basic right afforded to the people of the United States.