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| Photo credit: John Hill |
They died for us and what better way to celebrate than by knowing our rights?
The U.S. Constitution guarantees us basic fundamental rights, but what are they?
Since our Founding Fathers wrote it, the Constitution has been changed 27 times. So, there are 27 amendments and I decided to read the first 10. The Bill of Rights.
The First Amendment actually has 5 parts. It protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to petition our government.
The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms.
The Third Amendment prevents us from being forced to quarter soldiers in our homes.
The Four Amendment stops unreasonable searches and seizures of people and property.
The Fifth Amendment also has 5 parts. The right to a grand jury for serious offenses, the right to not be tried twice for the same offense, the right to compensation for seized property, the right to not incriminate yourself (I Plead the Fifth), and the right to a fair trial.
The Sixth Amendment protects our right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, to face our accusers, to know the charges against us, and legal representation.
The Seventh Amendment gives us the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases.
The Eighth Amendment prevents excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment.
The Ninth Amendment says the people have other rights, besides the ones listed in the Constitution.
The Tenth Amendment says the Federal Government has rights over the Constitution, but power belongs to the States or the People for rights not listed in it.
So, my celebration of Memorial Day includes my pledge to make sure I am aware of my rights and protect the right of myself and others.
This will assure that our brave soldiers did not die in vain while protecting our freedom.
Source:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights/what-does-it-say