" (Powell) This means that the government can not take away an individual's freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion or freedom of the press. They felt they needed to protect these rights because when the colonies were under British control they did not have these rights ensured to them. If they spoke out against the government they could be jailed or killed for treason (Beard 73). People could also be arrested for expressing radical viewpoints in newspapers or pamphlets (78). This is why they guaranteed the right to freedom of press. Also, under British rule the people were forced to practice the country's official religion and if they practiced another they would be persecuted and could be jailed (72). The freedom of assembly is important because it ensured citizen's the right to meet wherever they want, whenever they want. Another important amendment to people's rights was the Second which stated that "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." This gives people the right to possess weapons. They felt that they needed the guns to protect their country and their freedom (Powell). One more right that was granted to the people in the Third Amendment was that "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." This is in reference to the quartering of soldiers in civilian houses during the French and Indian War and other times when the thirteen colonies were still under British control. They would have soldiers live with civilians and the soldiers could be very cruel to the families. The colonists despised this so much they made an amendment prohibiting this practice. The people also received protection against cruel and unusual punishment, and excessive fines in the Eighth Amendment which states "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
