Only the right to bear arms is part of the original first 10 Amendments (Bill of Rights). All of the other listed rights came later, some significantly later.

There were two major political parties during the crafting of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. The Federalists were in favor of the Constitution as it was, but the Anti-Federalists would not accept the Constitution without a Bill of Rights attached to it.

Amendment 10 is crucial because it grants a specific role to state governments. In fact, it states that all rights not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution should automatically go to the state governments.

When arrested, an individual may choose to "plead the 5th," alluding to the 5th amendment of the Constitution, which states various rights of individuals in criminal cases, including the right to remain silent.

Under Great Britain's rule, it was not unusual for the colonists to be forced to house British troops, otherwise known as the quartering of troops. With the founding of the new American nation, the political founders wanted to avoid as much as possible any situations in the new government that would lead to similar problems they had experienced with Great Britain.

Although more amendments were suggested as part of the Bill of Rights, only 10 were accepted and ratified at the time of the framing of the Bill of Rights.

Amendment 1 contains the right to petition, as well as a guarantee of freedom of speech, religion, press, etc.

The 6th amendment guarantees a fair trial. This amendment defines a fair trial as one that is one that is completed without delay, and in which the defendant has the right to an attorney and to know the nature of the crimes and evidence being held against them.

The 18-year old suffrage amendment was not added until years later in the 1900s. The 26th amendment stipulates the right of adults aged 18 or older to vote.

The First Amendment protects the press’ free speech, as well as that of individuals. It is nearly impossible to exaggerate the importance of a “free and robust” press in a democratic society. To begin with, informed voters make their decisions based off of the information regarding the candidates or the party that they have available. If a government can restrict the press to only cast in a positive light a certain individual/party/anything, even the most well-read voter cannot be truly “informed”; she has no idea what is actually going on. Having said that, it is important to understand that a robust free press does not mean that journalists are granted immunity from prosecution or having to testify—there is no shield law for journalists.