Amendments to the U.S. Constitution have played a huge role in shaping what rights and duties citizens have. They update the original rules laid out in the Constitution.

One important part is the Bill of Rights. This is the name for the first ten amendments and was approved in 1791. These amendments help protect personal freedoms. Some key rights include:

1. Freedom of Speech - The First Amendment allows people to share their thoughts without the government getting in the way.
2. Right to Bear Arms - The Second Amendment lets people own weapons.
3. Protection Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure - The Fourth Amendment keeps personal belongings safe from unwanted searches by the government.

There are also amendments that expanded rights for all citizens. For example:

• The 13th Amendment ended slavery. This was a major change for American society and recognized that everyone deserves respect.
• The 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, gave women the right to vote. This made democracy stronger and showed how important it is for everyone to take part in society.

Besides protecting rights, these amendments also include responsibilities. For instance, people need to serve on a jury when called and pay taxes. These duties are important for keeping our society fair and balanced.

In short, these amendments not only protect our rights but also encourage a sense of citizenship. This helps everyone get involved in their community and push for positive changes.