Table of Contents
The United States Constitution includes amendments that serve to protect individual rights and limit government power. These amendments are essential in maintaining a balance between authority and personal freedoms.
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791. They guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Protection Against Government Overreach
Amendments like the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth provide safeguards during legal processes. They ensure individuals are protected from self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and unfair trials, limiting the power of government authorities.
Voting Rights and Civil Liberties
Amendments such as the Fifteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-sixth expand voting rights regardless of race, gender, or age. These amendments promote equal participation in democratic processes.
Additional Protections
Other amendments address issues like presidential term limits, income taxes, and the abolition of slavery. They adapt the Constitution to evolving societal needs and protect citizens from potential abuses.