“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Interpretation

R.A.P.P.S

This amendment gives you five different rights. The right to Religion, so people can practice their religion. The right of Assembly means you can gather together in an area. The right of the Press, which means newspapers can print what they want. The right to Petition, which means people can gather and protest against something they don't like. And the right to Free Speech, which means you can say what you want as long as it doesn't infringe on others' rights.

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Interpretation

The people have the right to own a firearm for home and personal defense

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Interpretation

Soldiers cannot force you to keep them in your home and feed them

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Interpretation

Two different rights are being protected here. The first is no unreasonable searches, meaning the police must have a warrant to search your home. They are not allowed to enter your home without one. The second is no unreasonable seizures, meaning the police have to have probable cause to check your person and take things from you.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Interpretation

Four rights are being protected here. The right to Due Process means the government cannot send you to prison without first trying your case. The right to no Double Jeproady, which means you cannot be retried for a crime you already received a verdict for. The right to no Self Incrimination, meaning the police must read you your Miranda rights when they arrest you. The Miranda rights tell you that you do not need to talk to the police without your lawyer. And the right of Eminent Domain, meaning the government can take any area of land, but must give the owner a fair market value for it at a minimum.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Interpretation

Four rights are being protected here. The first is to have a fair and speedy trial, meaning you shouldn't have to wait forever in prison for a verdict. To be aware of the crime you're being charged for means the cops can't withhold key info from you. The third is to be able to confront the witness and to have your witnesses in a trial, meaning the government can't have anyone they want to come and say you are guilty. The final right is to have legal representation, which means if you cannot afford a lawyer the state will provide one for you.

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Interpretation

If the crime you have committed is more than $20 you can take it to court

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Interpretation

There are two rights protected here. The first is to no excessive bail, meaning the bail must match the severity of the punishment. The second is no cruel or unusual punishment, meaning the punishment has to fit the crime

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Interpretation

Even if it isn't explictly in the Constitution, you still have rights

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Interpretation

If the Government doesn't control that specific power, then it falls to the State or to the People