Bill of Rights
Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one
thousand seven hundred and 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 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 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 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 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... 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... 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... 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.
ATTEST,
Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, Speaker of the House of Representatives
John Adams, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate
John Beckley, Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Sam. A Otis Secretary of the Senate