Helping at Home
Freedom
If you don't keep it, you will lose it.
Do you know all of your First Amendment?
How about your Bill of Rights?
There are a lot of things they didn't teach us. Keep reading and listening, but don't stop writing.
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.
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You, or an assembly of people can say whatever they believe, and share it using the power of a printing press!
Each word was chosen specifically with your freedom in mind.
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.
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The government requires weapons to maintain freedom,
therefore the people must also.
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.
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The government doesn't have the right to intrude on your castle
unless they've got papers in hand.
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.
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It takes a judge's order or a criminal act
before anyone should go in your pockets to identify you,
or what you have.
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 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.
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Keep silent unless you are being asked questions in front of
A Grand Jury, and you'll only have to do that once.
6th Amendment
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 defense.
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Your right to know why and your right to favorable witnesses,
with a lawyer if necessary.
Seventh Amendment
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.
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If it's over $20, you can sue!
But, you cannot sue twice.
Get your facts straight.
8th Amendment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
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Governmental authority abuse
is never okay.
Ninth Amendment
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
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Nothing can take away your rights.
Not even the constitution itself.
10th Amendment
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.
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Federal powers STOP at the constitution.
Law trumps rules.
Law trumps Policies.
Law trumps over reaching authority.
Do you care who makes the law?