Which of these is the most important??

[kentuck]

Which would you say is the most important?

Which is the least important?

Why are they important at all?

=====================

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amendment VI

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 defence.

Amendment VII

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.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

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.

[liberal_at_heart]

1. I've heard both republicans and democrats suggest getting rid of one or more of the

Amendments based on benefits it might bring to their own political leanings. No one really cares about the Constitution anymore.

[magellan]

2. They're all equally important (to me). n/t

[dkf]

3. You cannot mess with any of them or they are all at risk.

I wish they were held sacred...they've stood the test of time pretty well.

[Hoyt]

4. The Constitution is a factor in today's complex society, but it's not only factor.

[kentuck]

5. What are some other factors??

???

[TheKentuckian]

6. They all work together into a tapestry that separates citizen from subject.

There is no unimportant one or even most important one to my thinking, take one away and the others become less possible to maintain.

I mean who could give a damn about the third, except without it agents and soldiers would be bunking with you if so desired and encroachment occurs.

[sarisataka]

7. They are all equally important

As to why they are important at all- these Rights, both enumerated and not, define that the individual is supreme, not the state. The individual is worthy of respect and protection and this principle must moderate the overwhelming power of the government.