The Bill of Rights.

WHEN OUR NATION'S FOUNDERS created the United States Constitution in 1787, not everyone was happy with it. Some states agreed to approve it only if a list of individual rights was added. Fortunately, the Framers of the Constitution had created a process for amending, or changing, the document if needed. In 1791, the first 10 amendments-known as the Bill of Rights--were added. They outline the basic rights and freedoms of Americans. Here's a breakdown of each one.

1st Amendment

The First Amendment guarantees some of our most important rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press. It also protects Americans' right to participate in protests and to petition (make a formal request of) the government.

2nd Amendment

The Second Amendment is about the right to bear arms, or own guns. How that right is interpreted in the 21st century and the extent to which the government can regulate gun ownership have been subjects of intense debate.

3rd Amendment

The Third Amendment prohibits the government from forcing citizens to quarter (shelter) soldiers in their homes. Why? Before the Revolutionary War (1775-83), the British forced colonists in America to house their troops.

4th Amendment

Americans' right to privacy is guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment. It protects people against unnecessary or unreasonable searches or seizures. Police must have a court-issued warrant or "probable cause" to search someone or his or her property.

5th Amendment

The Fifth Amendment protects the rights of anyone accused of a...