How do the first Ten Amendments limit government and empower citizens?
The Bill of Rights does not create rights, it recognizes certain inherent liberties and prevents the government from intruding upon them. In all respects, the first Ten Amendments limit the ability of government to do certain things, such as: search and seize, quarter soldiers, prohibit ownership of arms, prohibit speech, etc. Many other legal systems and constitutions have since been modeled upon this notion that individuals have liberties and dignities that cannot be infringed upon by government, except under very limited circumstances. The Supreme Court’s role in deciding when those circumstances occur is in constant flux, following the landmark decision of Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review, and an organic, living Constitution.
