Overview
The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, establishing key rights and liberties. These amendments were proposed by Congress in 1789 and ratified by the states in 1791, outlining fundamental protections for individuals against government overreach.
Background and Ratification
- Congress proposed twelve amendments to the Constitution in 1789 to address concerns about federal power and individual rights.
- Ten of these twelve proposed amendments were ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures on December 15, 1791, becoming the Bill of Rights.
- Article 2 was ratified much later as the 27th Amendment; Article 1 was never ratified.
Summary of the Ten Amendments (Bill of Rights)
- Amendment I: Protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
- Amendment II: Protects the right to keep and bear arms.
- Amendment III: Prohibits quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.
- Amendment IV: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for warrants.
- Amendment V: Ensures rights related to criminal proceedings, including double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process, and just compensation for property.
- Amendment VI: Guarantees the right to a speedy, public trial by jury, to be informed of charges, to confront witnesses, and to have legal counsel.
- Amendment VII: Preserves the right to a jury trial in civil cases over twenty dollars.
- Amendment VIII: Prohibits excessive bail, fines, and cruel or unusual punishment.
- Amendment IX: Clarifies that rights not specifically listed in the Constitution are retained by the people.
- Amendment X: Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.