Overview
The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, proposed to ensure individual liberties and limit governmental power. Originally twelve amendments were proposed in 1789; ten were ratified in 1791 and became a foundational part of US law.
Historical Background
- On September 25, 1789, Congress proposed twelve amendments to the Constitution.
- Ten amendments were ratified by the states on December 15, 1791, forming the Bill of Rights.
- Article 2 became the 27th Amendment in 1992; Article 1 was never ratified.
- The amendments were created to address concerns of power abuse and expand public confidence in government.
Content of the Bill of Rights
Amendment I: Rights of Expression
- Prohibits laws establishing religion, impeding free exercise of religion, restricting speech, press, assembly, and petition.
Amendment II: Right to Bear Arms
- Ensures the right to keep and bear arms in relation to a well-regulated militia.
Amendment III: Quartering of Soldiers
- Forbids quartering soldiers in private homes without consent in peacetime.
Amendment IV: Search and Seizure
- Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for search warrants.
Amendment V: Rights in Criminal Cases
- Establishes grand jury indictment, protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process, and just compensation for eminent domain.
Amendment VI: Right to a Fair Trial
- Guarantees a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury, rights to know charges, confront accusers, obtain witnesses, and have counsel.
Amendment VII: Trial by Jury in Civil Cases
- Preserves the right to trial by jury in civil cases over twenty dollars and limits re-examination by other courts.
Amendment VIII: Protection from Excessive Punishments
- Prohibits excessive bail or fines and cruel and unusual punishment.
Amendment IX: Rights Retained by the People
- Affirms that enumeration of certain rights does not deny others retained by the people.
Amendment X: States’ Rights
- Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
Attestation and Ratification
- Joint Resolution attested by congressional leaders, including Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, John Adams, John Beckley, and Sam A. Otis.