Bill of Rights

As you review this capstone document, focus on the limitations on the power of the federal government. Among these are protecting the natural rights of liberty and property including freedom of speech, a free press, free assembly, and free association, as well as the right to keep and bear arms. Note two amendments that may directly factor into how the states, territories and tribal entities approach implementing Homeland Security activities in general and critical infrastructure protection issues specifically:

• “Article the fourth [Amendment II]
  • 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.”


• “Article the twelfth [Amendment X]
  • 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.”