This was originally in the About section of this website. I've moved it here now that the focus is more on an-cap rather than Constitutional stuff.
Original Text | Summary | Examples Of Violation |
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. | The First Amendment: Freedom of religion, speech, press, peacefully assemble, and petition. | Whistle blowers, like Private Manning and Edward Snowden, are persecuted by the U.S. Government for exercising their freedom of speech. | Permits to protest are completely unconstitutional. The right to protest without a permit is in the first 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. | The Second Amendment: Right to bear arms. | Any Federal law on firearms is unconstitutional. | Any firearms registry is unconstitutional. |
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. | The Third Amendment: Quartering of soldiers. | Currently not being violated. |
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. | The Fourth Amendment: The right to privacy, security against unreasonable searches and seizures, search warrants. | The NSA monitors phone calls and Internet activity without any warrants. | The Patriot Act allows the executive branch to obtain warrants without probably cause. |
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. | The Fifth Amendment: Grand Jury, double jeopardy, no one must witness against himself, no loss of life, liberty or private property without due process. | Since 2011, four U.S. citizens have been killed by drone strikes. They were not given a trial. One was just 16 years old. | The NDAA gives the president the power to indefinitely detain any U.S. citizen. The citizen has no right to trial, a lawyer, and can be held forever. |
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. | The Sixth Amendment: Speedy and public trials, impartial jury; nature and cause, right to confront; compulsory witnesses, assistance of Counsel. | Same violations as with the Fifth 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. | The Seventh Amendment: Right to trial by jury according to the rules of common law. | Currently not being violated. |
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. | The Eighth Amendment: Excessive bail, fines, cruel and unusual punishment etc. prohibited. | Indefinite detention, assassination, and torture are cruel and unusual. | Whistle blowers frequently receive harsh sentences to intimidate others. |
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. | The Ninth Amendment: Rights beyond Bill of Rights are inherit rights and belong to the people. | The 'Drug War' violates our natural rights to do what we want to with our own bodies. | Adding dangerous chemicals to the water supply violates our natural right to fresh, uncontaminated water. |
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. | The Tenth Amendment: Undelegated powers belong to the people unless given by the people to the states. | States that have legalized Marijuana for medical or recreational reasons still get raided by the Federal Government. | The Federal Government can not mandate health insurance without violating the Tenth Amendment. |