The Bill of Rights was written alongside the U.S. Constitution and encompasses the first 10 amendments. Included within the Bill of Rights is the freedom of speech, right to bear arms, protection [Page 102]from warrantless searches, right to an attorney, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The main author of the Bill of Rights was James Madison. The founders of the country wrote the Bill of Rights to secure additional protection for American citizens. In this entry, each of the 10 amendments that makes up the Bill of Rights is listed, and the rights provided by them are reviewed.