Which amendment states that rights not listed in the Constitution are retained by the people?

• A. The 9th Amendment
• B. The 4th Amendment
• C. The 1st Amendment
• D. The 5th Amendment

Answer: (A)

Unlisted rights belong to the people; the Ninth Amendment makes that clear. It states that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. In other words, just because a right isn’t named in the Bill of Rights doesn’t mean it isn’t protected. This is why it’s the best choice here: the amendment explicitly covers rights beyond those listed. By contrast, the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, the First Amendment protects freedoms like speech and religion, and the Fifth covers due process and protections against self-incrimination. None of those address unenumerated rights or the idea that people retain rights not spelled out in the Constitution.