The Bill Of Rights.

[beevul]

A reminder of what the Bill Of Rights is:

A list of restrictions on the government, with the intent of preventing government from misconstruing or abusing of its powers:


THE Conventions of a number of the States having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution

http://billofrights.org/


Some examples:

Amendment I

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.

Self explanitory.




Amendment II

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.

Shall not be infringed by whom?

Government, of course.




Amendment III

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.

Soldier, being an agent of the government and all...





Amendment IV

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.

Shall not be violated by whom?

Government, of course.





Amendment V

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.


Held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime by whom? Be twice put in jeopardy by whom? Compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself by whom? Be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law by whom? nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation by whom?

Government, of course.



Far more than "just a goddamned piece of paper".

[MichaelHarris]

1. USA, USA, USA

USA!





oh yeah, GUNS, GUNS, GUNS!

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

2. It doesn't seem complicated at all. Why do people make it so hard?