Our Bill of Rights

Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution

The Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution - The First Ten AmendmentsThe Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

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.

Amendment III

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

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.

END


"The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution"

. . .The Bill of Rights

George Mason
George Mason Medallion
over the door of the gallery
of the House chamber,
U.S. Capitol,
Washington, D.C.,
Theodor Horydczak, photographer,
1950.

Washington as It Was, 1923-1959

On December 15, 1791, the new United States of America adopted the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, confirming the fundamental rights of its citizens. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech, and the press, and the rights of peaceful assembly and petition. Other amendments guarantee the rights of the people to form a "well-regulated militia," to keep and bear arms, the rights to private property, fair treatment for accused criminals, protection from unreasonable search and seizure, freedom from self-incrimination, a speedy and impartial jury trial, and representation by counsel.

The Bill of Rights draws influence and inspiration from the Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), and various later efforts in England and America to expand fundamental rights. George Mason's Virginia Declaration of Rights formed the basis of the amendments which comprise the bill.

Mason (1725-1792), a native of Fairfax County, Virginia, championed individual liberties throughout his life. In 1776, he drafted Virginia's state constitution, which incorporated his declaration asserting the doctrine of inalienable rights. As a one of the five most vocal members of the Constitutional Convention, Mason expressed great concern that assurances of individual liberties had not been incorporated into the Constitution, and, due to this concern and others, he elected not to sign the document.

The Bill of Rights would answer Mason's greatest concern and the concerns of many ratifying states. As a representative in the First Federal Congress, James Madison ushered seventeen amendments to the Constitution through Congress. The Senate passed twelve. By December 15, 1791, three-fourths of the states had ratified the ten amendments which constitute the Bill of Rights.

The application of the rights enumerated in the first ten amendments to the Constitution frequently fosters contention. For instance, the constitutionality of campaign contribution limits currently inspires debate. The United States Supreme Court is entrusted with the power to void acts of Congress which it finds to be in conflict with the Constitution or specifically with the Bill of Rights when the constitutionality of the acts arises in litigation. Thus, the amendments are frequently reinterpreted in fresh contexts and changing times.

Learn more about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights:

James Madison, Fourth President of the United States.
James Madison,
Fourth President of the United States,
Pendleton's, lithographer,
from painting by Gilbert Stuart,
circa 1828.

Portraits of the Presidents and First Ladies,
1789-Present
  • View the Special Presentation To Form a More Perfect Union in the collection Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, 1774 -1789 to learn about the history of the founding of America.
  • Browse the Top Treasures section of the exhibition American Treasures of the Library of Congress to find Jefferson's Draft of the Virginia Constitution and many other significant documents.
  • Search on the term bill of rights in A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation, 1774-1873. This collection includes records of the proceedings of the United States' national legislative bodies.
  • As early as 470 B.C. the Athenian dramatist Aeschylus held that free speech was essential to democracy. Search the Today in History Archive on the terms free speech to learn more about this right as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Search the Archive on the terms Bill of Rights, Constitution, slavery or civil rights for additional information.
  • Visit the Web site of the Supreme Court of the United States. The court may determine the constitutionality of legislative acts which have reached the court system and thus wields much power in determining how the amendments included in the Bill of Rights are implemented and interpreted.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union works within the court system to bolster the potency of the Bill of Rights. See the organization's feature In the Courts which highlights current Supreme Court cases which involve rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
  • See the Bill of Rights in the Historical Documents or Thomas: U.S. Congress on the Internet. Also see current proposed amendments to the Constitution under the headings Legislation: Major Legislation-106th.
  • The Constitution is an organic document that has been amended particularly as rights have been extended to groups of citizens over time. See Today in History features on the 14th amendment (1868) granting citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," and the 19th amendment (1920) extending suffrage to women. Visit the Congressional Cemetery.

Bill of Rights

Celebrate Bill of Rights Day - December 15th
 

The United States Constitution - The Law of the Land

The Medal of Honor - "THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE" - The Medal of Honor, established by joint resolution of Congress, 12 July 1862 (amended by Act of 9 July 1918 and Act of 25 July 1963) is awarded in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Armed Services, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of The United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which The United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of service is exacted and each recommendation for award of this decoration is considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.

The Bill of Rights - The First 10 Amendments to the United States Constitution


Police State USA  |  Evils in Government

It Can't Happen Here  |  Democracy Is NOT Freedom  |  Martial Law