Despite
the ratification of the United States Constitution,
American citizens became concerned that there was
no formal document to outline their personal freedoms.
Many politicians, however, believed a bill of rights
was not necessary for a government based on popular
consent. Furthermore, individual state constitutions
already guaranteed many rights.
When
the first Congress met in New York in 1789, most members
voted to include a bill of rights because they promised
the people they would. Even though James Madison was
against it, he helped guide the amendments through
Congress. On December 15, 1791 ten out of twelve proposed
amendments were ratified. The Bill of Rights is still
the first ten amendments in the U.S. Constitution
today.
Below
is the Bill of Rights.
THE
Conventions of a number of the States, having at the
time of their 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
ensure 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;
viz.
ARTICLES
in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution
of the United States of America, proposed by Congress,
and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States,
pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 offence 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 defence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 re-examined 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.
|
