The
Conventions of a number of the
States having, at the time of
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,
namely:
Amendment I
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.
Amendment II
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.
Amendment III
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.
Amendment IV
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.
Amendment V
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.
Amendment VI
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 defense.
Amendment VII
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 reexamined
in any court of the United States,
than according to the rules of
the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required,
nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments
inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution,
of certain rights, shall not
be construed to deny or disparage
others retained by the people.
Amendment X
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.
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