These twelve amendments to the US Constitution were approved by the First Congress on September 25, 1789. But wait! Weren't there only ten amendments? Well, that's correct, too, but first, Congress approved twelve of them. Then they were sent to the states, where only ten were chosen. So the Twelve Amendments became the Ten Amendments. These First Ten Amendments became law on December 15, 1791, and are known as the Bill of Rights. Note that the date on the document is March 4, 1789, which is the day the First Congress began its first session. The day the amendments were actually approved was September 25, 1789.
Resolution of the First Congress Submitting Twelve Amendments to the
Constitution
March 4, 1789
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\par 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 . . . 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 . . . 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 . . . 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 . . . A well regulated Militia, being necessary
to\par the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep
and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Article the fifth . . . 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 . . . 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 . . . 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 offense
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 . . . In all criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall\par 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 . . . 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\par of the United States, than according to
the rules of the common law.
Article the tenth . . . Excessive bail shall not be required, nor
excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Article the eleventh . . . The enumeration in the Constitution, of
certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others
retained by the people.
Article the twelfth . . . 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.
Published 12/1/2016
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