The Original Bill of Rights
The following is a transcript of the original version of the Bill of Rights as submitted to the states (thus to the people) for ratification.
CONGRESS of the UNITED STATES,
Begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday, the
Fourth of March, One Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-nine.
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 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, 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.
Article the first [Not Ratified]
After the first enumeration required by the first article of the Constitution,
there shall be one Representative for every thirty thousand, until the number
shall amount to one hundred, after which the proportion shall be so regulated by
Congress, that there shall be not less than one hundred Representatives, nor
less than one Representative for every forty thousand persons, until the number
of Representatives shall amount to two hundred; after which the proportion shall
be so regulated by Congress, that there shall not be less than two hundred
Representatives, nor more than one Representative for every fifty thousand
persons.
Article the second [27th Amendment - Ratified 1992]
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and
Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall
have intervened.
Article the third [1st Amendment]
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.
Article the fourth [2nd Amendment]
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.
Article the fifth [3rd Amendment]
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.
Article the sixth [4th Amendment]
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.
Article the seventh [5th Amendment]
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.
Article the eighth [6th Amendment]
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.
Article the ninth [7th Amendment]
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.
Article the tenth [8th Amendment]
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and
unusual punishments inflicted.
Article the eleventh [9th Amendment]
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed
to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Article the twelfth [10th Amendment]
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.
FREDERICK AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG,
Speaker of the House of Representatives
JOHN ADAMS,
Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate
Attest, John Beckley,
Clerk of the House of Representatives
Sam. A. Otis,
Secretary of the Senate
Election 2000 Resources
Information on candidates, parties, dates, issues and organizations, from
your About.com Guide.
US Government
Job Openings
Links to vacancy announcements at dozens of agencies and military branches.
Huge Index of
Government Web Sites
One of the largest lists of agencies, bureaus and offices on the Web.
How to...
...do lots of things involving the U.S. Government.
Latest
News and Features
The latest news and features on US Government Info/Resources.
Politics?
You want Politics?
Guide John Aravosis is and insider who'll deliver all the politics you can
handle.
Military
Questions?
Guide Rod Powers probably has the answers.
Express Your
Opinions
Just click on a topic to read or take part in the discussion.
