The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or *abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;

(*Note: the government says here that these amendments are to prevent abuse of it's own power.)

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:

Here are the articles of the Bill of Rights and my interpretation of them in today's world:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,

The U.S. Government cannot force it's citizens to say a religious prayer or practice any religion or attend any church. It doesn't mean that they can't have "In God We Trust" on their money, because they are not endorsing any religion here and not saying which god, however they cannot force students to say "under one God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, because some may believe in more than one god.

or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

The people are free to believe what they want to and are free to gather and practice any religious beliefs they want. This means that students in school can distribute religious material freely and openly endorse religious matters, but teachers can't, however by freedom of speech, the teachers can discuss religious philosophy while not endorsing any one religion.

or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;

The government cannot stop anyone from saying what they want to about the government, whether it be good or bad. And it also says that the news media is also able to say what ever they want.

or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,

As long as the public is peaceful and lawful, they can gather in protest or form groups and clubs and organizations.

and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The people can complain to the government if they are unhappy, and they can sign petitions to get the government to do what they want to make them happy again.

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.

In order to remain free states and to protect ourselves from an invasion, or a corrupt government, or in case a dictator assumes control, the states will be allowed to have all the weapons necessary to fight the government or any invaders who might want to take our freedoms away. Each state should have it's own *well regulated and armed military force.

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 says that soldiers cannot stay at your house without your consent, pretty much.

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.

This one is very important, and in my belief, it is being abused these days. This amendment says that any government agency cannot come into your house without having a good reason to and a warrant from a court. In other words the government cannot just check up on the people at random such as check points, phone taps, internet privacy, etc. unless they already have a good reason to suspect there is something wrong. And then if there is a search, the warrant must state exactly what areas are to be searched and what they are looking for.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury,

This pretty much says there will be no vigilante justice and an accused person must get formally charged by the government agency.

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;

Except military personnel in time of war or public danger, such as the Guantanamo detainees.

nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb;

You can't be charged twice for the same crime.

nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself,

You don't have to testify against yourself in court or in jail. You have the right to remain silent.

nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;

You must get a court hearing if arrested for a crime or if the government wants to take your property or money.

nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

The government must pay for your house if they take it for a public use such as 'eminent domain'.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial,

You have the right to a public trial in a timely manner.

by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed,

You have the right to a jury selected from the area where the crime was committed.

which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation;

mumbo jumbo about the law must be followed, blah blah

to be confronted with the witnesses against him;

Whoever says you did something wrong must be in court and testify.

to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor,

You are allowed to have people on your side take the stand and testify.

and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

You are allowed to have legal help from attorneys.

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars,

If you are being sued for more than $20.,

the right of trial by jury shall be preserved,

you get to have a jury trial.

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.

The judgment will hold up unless it is appealed to a higher court.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

just what it says

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

The people can retain their rights.

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 majority of people or each state can make their own laws if there is not already a U.S. law regarding the matter. Such as gay marriages.

Remember, your interpretation may differ from mine, but it is those who serve on the Supreme Court, who's opinions truly matter!

MisterMayor