There are 27 amendments which are considered valid by the Congress and they have been included in the US Constitution. Amendments or bills are designed or passed to protect the rights of people and ensure that there is smooth functioning of the government in the country. The first 10 amendments are decided by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America. Bill of Rights The first 10 amendments together are known as the 'Bill of Rights'. On 17th September 1787 at the Federal Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States constitution came into existence. The first 10 amendments were added the same year but could gain official recognition only in 1791. Since its origin, 27 changes have been introduced in the constitution and there is a possibility that it can happen again in the near future for the betterment of the nation and its people. Out of the 27 amendments 10 were ratified together, hence they are known as the Bill of Rights in the US constitution. First Amendment Congress shall make no law about 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. Second 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. Third Amendment 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. Fourth Amendment 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. Fifth Amendment 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 offense 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. Sixth Amendment 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. Seventh 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 reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Eighth Amendment Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Ninth Amendment The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Tenth Amendment 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 Bill of Rights is considered to be a very important aspect of the American constitution. It is extremely essential for every American to understand not just the above mentioned but all the 27 amendments to protect his or her rights from getting misused by the government. These amendments play an important role in preserving democracy in the nation, and hence should be protected at all costs.