“SNAFU” breaks down the US Bill of Rights

Private SNAFU Overview

The Bill of Rights (ratified in 1791) is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. They were added to guarantee individual freedoms and limit government power.

Amendment by Amendment Breakdown

Amendment I – Freedom of Expression and Religion

• Government cannot create an official religion or stop people from practicing their own.

• Protects freedom of speech, press, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government.
  👉 Core idea: People can think, speak, publish, gather, and challenge government freely.

Amendment II – Right to Bear Arms

• A “well-regulated militia” is necessary for security.

• People have the right to own and carry weapons.
  👉 Core idea: Citizens’ right to arms shall not be violated.

Amendment III – Quartering of Soldiers

• Soldiers can’t live in private homes during peace without consent.

• Even in war, it must follow legal process.
  👉 Core idea: Your home can’t be forced open to troops.

Amendment IV – Search and Seizure

• Protects people’s privacy and property from unreasonable searches or confiscations.

• Warrants must be specific and based on probable cause sworn before a judge.
  👉 Core idea: Government needs legal justification to search or seize your things.

Amendment V – Rights of the Accused

• Major crimes require grand jury indictment.

• No double jeopardy (can’t be tried twice for the same crime).

• No self-incrimination (you don’t have to testify against yourself).

• Due process required before loss of life, liberty, or property.

• Private property can’t be taken for public use without fair compensation.
  👉 Core idea: Legal safeguards protect fairness, property, and individual rights.

Amendment VI – Right to a Fair Trial

• Right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury.

• Trial must occur where the crime happened.

• Accused must know the charges, see/cross-examine witnesses, call their own witnesses, and have a lawyer.
  👉 Core idea: Criminal defendants deserve fairness and legal defense.

Amendment VII – Civil Jury Trials

• In civil cases (disputes over $20+ at the time), people have the right to a jury trial.

• Jury decisions can’t be overturned except as the law allows.
  👉 Core idea: Juries protect fairness in civil disputes as well as criminal cases.

Amendment VIII – Limits on Punishments

• No excessive bail or fines.

• No cruel or unusual punishments.
  👉 Core idea: Punishment must be fair, not extreme or abusive.

Amendment IX – Rights Retained by the People

• Just because a right isn’t listed in the Constitution doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
  👉 Core idea: People have more rights than those written down.

Amendment X – Powers Reserved to States/People

• Powers not given to the federal government or denied to the states are reserved to the states or the people.
  👉 Core idea: Limits federal power; preserves state and individual authority.

Big Picture

• Amendments I–IV: Protect basic freedoms and personal security.

• Amendments V–VIII: Ensure fairness in the justice system.

• Amendments IX–X: Clarify that people and states keep broad rights and powers beyond what’s written.