Congress of the United States met in New York City on Wednesday, March 4, 1789.
They wanted to make the Constitution easier to understand. Clearer words were needed. They wanted the people to trust the government.
Congress worked on the changes. They voted. Two-thirds of both Houses agreed on new parts. The new parts were sent to the States. Three-fourths of the states need to OK the new parts. If they did, they would become amendments and part of the Constitution.
Amendment I
Congress shall not set up one religion for the country. It cannot stop anyone from joining a religion. No law can stop freedom of speech. No law can stop newspapers from printing news. No law can stop people from meeting and talking. The people can complain to the government.
Amendment II
A small army can be set up for the safety of a State. People have the right to own a gun. Weapons can't be taken away.
Amendment III
Soldiers have no right to live in anyone's house. It's OK if the owner says OK. In a war, this law can change.
Amendment IV
The people have the right to protect themselves. They can protect their houses and things from unfair searches. Good reasons for searches must be in writing. Permission is given to search only a certain place. Only named people or things can be taken.
Amendment V
No person shall be put in jail unless given a written copy of what the crime was. There must be facts and reasons for the arrest. This may not happen during a war. This may not happen when the United States is in danger. No person can be arrested more than once for the same crime. No person can go to trial more than once for the same crime.The person on trial cannot be forced to speak. The person does not have to be a witness. A person has the right to have a judge or jury. Land and things owned by a person cannot be taken and used by the public. If land and things are taken, money must be given to the owner.
Amendment VI
The person on trial for a crime has the right to a speedy trial. It must be in public. The person has a right to have a fair jury. The trial must be in the State and place where the crime happened. The person has to be told the reasons for being on trial. The person can face and listen to the witnesses against him. The person can have his own witnesses to help him. The person can have witnesses to explain the facts. The person can have a lawyer to help him defend himself.
Amendment VII
In civil court, a person can be sued for money. If it is more than 20 dollars, he can have a jury trial. But this can happen only one time. There is no way to change the final result.
Amendment VIII
Before a trial, people have a right to pay money to stay out of jail. This can happen during the trial, too. If the person is found guilty, he must pay a fine. Other punishments must not be too cruel.
Amendment IX
Rights in the Constitution are not the only rights. The people can have more rights than are written here.
Amendment X
The powers not given to the United States in the Constitution are given to each State. They are given to the people, too.
_Editor's Note: Above are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, as adapted by Newsela. These amendments were ratified Dec. 15, 1791, and are known as the "Bill of Rights." Roman numerals were used to number the amendments._
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