What is the Bill of Rights?What is the Bill of Rights?

Missouri’s Bill of RightsMissouri’s Bill of Rights

The first part of the Missouri Constitution is the Bill of Rights. Like the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution, Missouri’s Bill of Rights guarantees important rights and freedoms to all Missouri citizens.

The Purpose of GovernmentThe Purpose of Government

The Bill of Rights starts by talking about the purpose of government. Section 1 says that government gets its power from the people and exists to serve everyone. Section 2 says that all people have a natural right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It also says that everyone is entitled to equal rights and equal opportunity.

FreedomsFreedoms

Like the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution, Missouri’s Bill of Rights includes freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.

FreedomsFreedoms

It guarantees the right to meet openly in groups. It says that people can petition the government if they do not like what the government or law makers are doing. A petition is a written request made to someone in authority.

ProtectionsProtections

The Bill of Rights also grants citizens certain protections in courts. It says that people cannot have their liberty taken away illegally. Citizens accused of a crime are allowed a trial by jury.

ElectionsElections

The Missouri Bill of Rights also talks about elections. It says that all elections shall be free and open. All citizens have the right to vote, and they can vote for the candidate they choose.

Bill of RightsBill of Rights

• The Bill of Rights guarantees important rights and freedoms to all Americans.

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petitionpetition

• A written request made to someone in authority.

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freedom of speechfreedom of speech

• The right to say your ideas and opinions.

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freedom of the pressfreedom of the press

• The right of journalists to report what the government is doing.

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freedom of religionfreedom of religion

• The right to choose if and where to worship God.

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freedom to assemblefreedom to assemble

• The right to meet openly in groups.

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