A group of those eeeeevil "dead white guys" (rumor has it with a bit of input from their distaff sides) pretty well defined it for me a couple hundred years back.

Seriously, the Bill of Rights is a beautiful document enumerating the rights of the individual and restricting the rights of the government. While I tend to spout off about the much abused 2nd and 10th amendments, I will just as vocally defend the 3rd (quartering of troops) if it should ever become an issue. Amendments one, four and five are also particular favorites.

* First Amendment – Establishment clause, freedom of religion, speech, and press, and peaceable assembly as well as the right to petition the government.
* Second Amendment – Right to keep and bear arms.
* Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.
* Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
* Fifth Amendment – Due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, private property.
* Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and other rights of the accused.
* Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.
* Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishment.
* Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
* Tenth Amendment – Powers of states and people.