Hello

I’m no expert on US laws, I just know the basics. But I’ve certainly been refreshing my memory on my and other’s rights over the last few months.

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If you are also interested in this - here’s a refresher about the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights, ratified on December 15, 1791, outlines fundamental protections for individuals in the U.S. These rights apply to anyone on U.S. soil, not just citizens, unless specified otherwise (e.g., voting rights aren’t included here). Here’s a simple breakdown of each amendment:

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• Article I (Amendment 1)

You’re free to practice any religion, speak your mind, publish your thoughts, gather peacefully with others, and ask the government to fix issues - without fear of punishment.

- For all on U.S. soil: Everyone can speak freely or worship as they choose, citizen or not.

• Article II (Amendment 2)

The government can’t take away your right to own and carry weapons, as a well-regulated militia is necessary for a free state’s security.

- For all on U.S. soil: Anyone can own a firearm, though modern laws have added some restrictions like background checks.

• Article III (Amendment 3)

In peacetime, soldiers can’t stay in your home without your permission. In wartime, this can only happen if the law allows it.

- For all on U.S. soil: No one has to house soldiers against their will, regardless of citizenship.

• Article IV (Amendment 4)

You’re protected from unreasonable searches or seizures of your body, home, or belongings. The government needs a good reason, backed by a warrant, to search or take your stuff.

- For all on U.S. soil: Everyone is safe from random government searches, citizen or not.

• Article V (Amendment 5)

You can’t be tried for a serious crime without a grand jury’s approval (except in military cases during war or emergencies). You can’t be tried twice for the same crime, be forced to testify against yourself, or have your life, liberty, or property taken without a fair legal process. The government can’t take your property for public use without paying you fairly.

- For all on U.S. soil: These legal protections apply to everyone facing the justice system.

• Article VI (Amendment 6)

If accused of a crime, you get a quick, public trial by an impartial jury in the area where the crime happened. You must be told what you’re accused of, face your accusers, call witnesses to help you, and have a lawyer.

- For all on U.S. soil: Anyone accused of a crime gets these trial rights, not just citizens.

• Article VII (Amendment 7)

In lawsuits over $20, you have the right to a jury trial, and the facts decided by that jury can’t be reexamined by another court, except under common law rules.

- For all on U.S. soil: This applies to everyone in civil disputes, ensuring a fair process.

• Article VIII (Amendment

The government can’t demand excessive bail, impose huge fines, or use cruel or unusual punishments.

- For all on U.S. soil: Everyone is protected from unfair punishment, citizen or not.

• Article IX (Amendment 9)

Just because a right isn’t listed in the Constitution doesn’t mean you don’t have it - other rights exist and can’t be denied.

- For all on U.S. soil: Everyone has unlisted rights, like privacy, that are still protected.

Article X (Amendment 10)

Any power not given to the federal government by the Constitution belongs to the states or the people.

- For all on U.S. soil: This affects everyone by limiting federal overreach, ensuring local control where applicable.

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These rights are foundational and protect everyone on U.S. soil, ensuring fairness and freedom in various aspects of life.