The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, proposed by the First Congress in 1789 and ratified in 1791: freedom of religion, speech and the press, the right to bear arms, due process, trial by jury, and protections against unreasonable searches and cruel and unusual punishments.

Start reading11 parts, 658 words

Famous quotes

• 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.

  (Proposed 1789, ratified 1791), Amendment IIn context

  • Freedom
  • Liberty
  • Religion

• 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.

  (Proposed 1789, ratified 1791), Amendment IIIn context

  • Guns
  • Liberty

• 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.

  (Proposed 1789, ratified 1791), Amendment IVIn context

  • Justice
  • Liberty

• 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.

  (Proposed 1789, ratified 1791), Amendment VIn context

  • Justice
  • Liberty

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

  (Proposed 1789, ratified 1791), Amendment VIIIIn context

  • Justice

• 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.

  (Proposed 1789, ratified 1791), Amendment XIn context

  • Government
  • Liberty

Contents

1. Preamble
2. Amendment IArticle the third, as proposed
3. Amendment IIArticle the fourth, as proposed
4. Amendment IIIArticle the fifth, as proposed
5. Amendment IVArticle the sixth, as proposed
6. Amendment VArticle the seventh, as proposed
7. Amendment VIArticle the eighth, as proposed
8. Amendment VIIArticle the ninth, as proposed
9. Amendment VIIIArticle the tenth, as proposed
10. Amendment IXArticle the eleventh, as proposed
11. Amendment XArticle the twelfth, as proposed