Definition of the Bill of Rights for Kids Definition: The Bill of Rights is a summary of basic rights and privileges claimed by the American people, it claims rights to ensure "sovereignty, freedom and independence" of US citizens. Simplified Summary of the Bill of Rights for Kids Summary: The short, simplified summary of the content each of the Bill of Rights are: 1st Amendment simplified summary: FREEDOM OF SPEECH, RELIGION, PRESS, ASSEMBLY & PETITION 2nd Amendment simplified summary: RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS 3rd Amendment simplified summary: QUARTERING OF SOLDIERS 4th Amendment simplified summary: ARREST AND SEARCHES 5th Amendment simplified summary: RIGHTS OF PERSONS ACCUSED OF CRIMES 6th Amendment simplified summary: RIGHTS OF PERSONS ON TRIAL FOR CRIMES 7th Amendment simplified summary: JURY TRIALS IN CIVIL CASES 8th Amendment simplified summary: LIMITATIONS ON PUNISHMENTS AND BAIL 9th Amendment simplified summary: RIGHTS KEPT BY THE PEOPLE 10th Amendment simplified summary: POWERS KEPT BY THE STATES OR THE PEOPLE Bill of Rights for Kids This article answers all the question you might have about the Bill of Rights. The following articles provide simplified facts and information about each of the firs ten amendments. Bill of Rights for kids: What was the English Bill of Rights? The term "Bill of Rights" originated in England in reference to the 1689 Bill of Rights which listed a number of fundamental rights and liberties of the English people. The 1689 English Bill of Rights and the 1215 Magna Carta had a massive influence on the America Constitution and its first ten amendments. The English Bill of Rights provided for a frequently summoned Parliament, free elections and freedom of speech. It also stated that no taxes could be levied, nor laws dispensed, without the authority of parliament. It also said that no excessive fines should imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments should be inflicted on criminals. The Magna Carta of England was the basis for due process of law that should be known and orderly, which eventually led to Trial by Jury. Bill of Rights for kids: Why was the Bill of Rights Created? Why were the amendments created? American colonists expected to have the same rights granted in England by the Magna Carta and the 1689 English Bill of Rights. But the American colonists were denied these basic rights. People living in the English colonies of North America were not given the same rights as the English. The Bill of Rights was created so that the basic privileges of Americans were put into writing ensuring that such injustices would never happen again. Bill of Rights for kids: The War of Independence and the State Constitutions The harsh and unfair treatment by the British had led to the War of Independence, which began on April 18, 1775. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 announcing the separation of the colonies from Britain and making them into the United States of America. On May 15, 1776 Congress advised the thirteen original colonies to form their own governments and to write their own State constitutions. By 1781 every one of the thirteen colonies had written their own constitutions but a central government needed to be established. The new Federal Government needed a Constitution. Bill of Rights for Kids: Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution? The Constitution was written to establish the principles of the political, legal, and economic systems of America. And this was done, so why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution? There were opponents who raised strong objections to the scope of the new Constitution. People in the individual states were disturbed by the amount of power given to the Federal government. Many believed took the control of affairs away from the people. Some objected because there was nothing in the Constitution to prevent Congress from passing laws to destroy the freedom of the press. However, the biggest objection of all was because there was no Bill of Rights attached to it, providing written documentation about the basic rights of citizens encompassing the concepts of "sovereignty, freedom and independence". |