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1st Amendment
"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".
Discussion
The 1st amendment was probably the most information packed of the original amendments. The fact that this website can operate, is a product of the 1st amendment.
Let's look at the elements contained here.
Establishment and free exersize of religion.
Freedom of speech for the individual and the press.
The right to assemble.
And the right to petition or complain to the government.
Now remember that the entire basis for the foundation of the United States was to escape the oppression of religious views. And today even if you don't follow a certain religion. The members of that faith have the right to practice and even talk about it in public. So remember it's ok to give thanks to God, your forefathers did.
Freedom of speech for all. Having newspapers and outlets for information are very important tools in free society. Look at most dictators in the world, the first order of business is to surpress the media and people. So even if you don't like whats on the news. They have right to speak it, and you have right to change the channel. The same applies to individual rights of speech. As long as the words spoken don't cause physical harm to anyone, then they are protected under this amendment. Remember if you don't like what someone is saying, you have the right to tell them.
Have you ever been to a football game, meeting or even the mall. Of course you have. And you can do this because of the right to assembly. Rogue governments do not like people to assemble, because there is strength in numbers. And the more people there are in a group the stronger that group is. Case in point "Democracy".
And last on the list, the right to petition. Or as I like to put it, the right to complain. And let's face it we all like to complain to government about something. Maybe taxes, schools, military issues or many other items. But just as my wife used to say. "You have the right to complain, it doesn't mean anyone will listen".
2nd Amendment
"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."
Discussion
Your forefathers of this country realized the power of government. They also knew that unchecked this power could become counter to the beliefs and wishes of the people. As President Thomas Jefferson once said "The government should fear their people, The people should not fear their government". With this said, every citizen should realize that this country was fought for and won by the common person. When the British instituted "Gun control laws" in the colonies they only did this to protect an out of control government. They realized that the only difference between slavery and freedom was the person or group that controlled the most firepower. By removing the guns from the citizens they guaranteed their unchecked power would continue. But against many odds and against the wishes of the King of England, common men removed their muskets from above the fireplace and took to the battlefields and streets. They paid a heavy price, but in the end. They and the people of this country were rewarded with the greatest gift of all. Freedom.
Remember the actions of the men and women that took part in this story, now please decide which side you would have been on.
Thank you and may God bless the United States of America.
3rd Amendment
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.
Discussion
Well, just think of how bad it is when those pesky in-laws come over and stay for a while. Now imagine if it were enemy troops staying in that guest room.
The 3rd amendment was designed to protect you from that situation. In the old days, the British troops would just come to the door and demand food and lodging. And you were expected to feed the same troops that would be fighting your husband tomorrow. Not now, you are protected from having to do this.
This did not mean that you couldn't help our troops. But since the option was left open by the wording of "Any soldier", you can refuse to let any troops lay around in the ole living room and eat up all your food.
Personally, in my house enemy troops get leftovers and the pullout couch.
4th Amendment
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.
Discussion
The fourth amendment is considered the first casuality of the 21st century. Most Americans believe the protection afforded under this amendment has eroded quickly.
When the "Bill of rights" was first conceived there was no such thing as the internet or telephones. The idea that a dog could smell contraband on a person was not even a thought. Our forefathers wanted to protect the citizens from general search warrants, like the kind used by the British government in the colonies. A "writ of assistance" was used by the custom inspectors to search for untaxed imported goods. Keep in mind with the "writ of assistance" there was no probable cause involved, nor was there any paperwork issued. The inspectors could conduct their search on anyone, anywhere and at anytime. This led to fear from the general public that the inspectors would eventually abuse their powers. And in due time, they did abuse such powers.
By providing the public with a means of judical checks and balances against law officers, our forefathers gave us a "reasonable expectation to privacy". But this expectation is sometimes abused by the criminal element. As unfortunate as it may seem, this amendment does protect some criminals that have certainly hidden behind the constitution to conduct their activities. But none the less, this amendment stills stands to protect the law abiding citizens in this country. Because after all most Americans are not criminals and should never be treated that way.
With the advent of modern technology, it has become easier to look into citizens daily activities. With such things as traffic cameras, data miners, cellular phones and internet loggers many people have argued that our rights under this amendment are slowly vanishing. Some will argue that the loss of "a reasonable expectation to privacy" is needed to provide security for the citizens. And some will counter that arguement saying that by chiping away at the US Constitution you are doing the enemies job for them. But no matter where you stand on this issue, this amendment is the most debated of our time. I encourage you to read more and educate yourself about the fourth amendment.
To read more about the case law and changes to the fourth amendment over the years, please follow the links below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/amendment04/
5th Amendment
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 offense 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.