One of the conditions set by the several states for ratifying the Constitution was the inclusion of a bill of rights. Many people feared that a stronger central government might take away basic rights of the people that had been guaranteed in state constitutions. If the three words that begin the preamble--"We the people"--were truly meant, then the rights of the people needed to be protected.

Amendment Purpose Definition

First Amendment Freedom of speech, religon,press assembly, petition. Can't support or interfere w/ religon Express and hear ideas of others Can congregate and suggest to change or make new laws

Second Amendment

Militias

States maintain a militia for emergencies, people have the right to own weapons

Third Amendment Quartering

Cannot force citizens to house to house of soliders in times of peace

Fourth Amendment Search and Seizure

Government needs a search warrant to look for evidence...