Omar Bennett
The original amendments to the US Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed 12 amendments to the Constitution, 10 of which were ratified on December 15, 1791. These amendments form what is known as the Bill of Rights, which includes the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceably assemble.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Amendments Proposed | 12 |
| Number of Amendments Ratified | 10 |
| Date of Ratification | December 15, 1791 |
| Date Proposed | September 25, 1789 |
| Display | The enrolled original Joint Resolution is on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, Washington, D.C. |
| First Amendment | Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof |
| Second Amendment | The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed |
| Third Amendment | No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner |
| Fourth 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 |
| Fifth 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 |
| Sixth Amendment | In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial |
| Seventh Amendment | In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved |
| Eighth Amendment | Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted |
| Ninth Amendment | The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people |
| Tenth 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 |
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What You'll Learn
The Bill of Rights
The Second Amendment through the Tenth Amendment cover a range of topics, including the right to keep and bear arms, the protection of citizens' rights during legal proceedings, the limits of federal power, and the reservation of powers to the states or the people.
The specific guarantees outlined in the Bill of Rights have been central to American law and political culture, influencing judicial interpretations and shaping public policy. They have also inspired similar declarations of rights in other nations, contributing to a global dialogue on individual liberties and the role of government in protecting them.
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Freedom of religion
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which is part of the Bill of Rights, includes the freedom of religion. The First Amendment was ratified on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.
The freedom of religion is protected by the First Amendment through its Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause, which encompass "the two big arenas of religion in constitutional law". The Establishment Clause prohibits any governmental establishment of religion, while the Free Exercise Clause prohibits any governmental interference with "the free exercise thereof". In other words, the government is not allowed to promote or become too involved with religion, nor can it prevent citizens from practising their faith.
The Supreme Court has clarified that these two clauses sometimes compete with each other. For example, when the government spends money on the clergy, it could be seen as establishing a religion. However, if the government refuses to pay for military chaplains, it could be seen as infringing on the free exercise of religion for soldiers and sailors.
The inclusion of freedom of religion in the First Amendment reflects the American founders' understanding of the importance of religion to human, social, and political flourishing. It also acknowledges the history of religious persecution that many American colonists had experienced, with groups such as Quakers, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians emigrating to the colonies from England to escape religious persecution.
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Freedom of speech
The First Amendment to the US Constitution, ratified on December 15, 1791, is commonly recognized for its protection of freedom of speech, religion, the press, and the right to assemble and petition the government. The text of the amendment states:
> "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."
The freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to mean that no branch or section of the federal, state, or local governments can infringe upon the speech rights of American citizens. This interpretation has been expanded to include modern forms of communication such as radio, film, television, video games, and the internet. However, it is important to note that private organizations, such as businesses, colleges, and religious groups, are not bound by the same constitutional obligation.
The right to assembly and petition, as protected by the First Amendment, has been interpreted as an expansion of the core freedom of expression. Assembly extends the freedom of speech to groups, allowing for protests and other forms of collective action. The right to assemble has been utilized by various political and social movements throughout American history, including political parties, civil rights organizations, and labor movements.
The First Amendment's protection of freedom of speech has been a pivotal aspect of American law, ensuring that individuals and groups can express themselves without interference from the government. This freedom has been a cornerstone of American democracy and has shaped the country's political and social landscape.
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Right to peaceful assembly
The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified on December 15, 1791. The original amendments were proposed by the First Congress of the United States on September 25, 1789, and ten out of the twelve proposed amendments were ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.
The right to peaceful assembly is one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which states:
> "Congress shall make no law [...] abridging [...] the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The right to peaceful assembly protects the ability of individuals to gather peacefully for a common purpose, such as expressing their opinions, protesting against the government, or seeking redress for their grievances. This right is essential for a functioning democracy as it allows citizens to collectively make their voices heard and hold their government accountable.
The First Amendment guarantees the right to assemble peacefully, without fear of government interference or retaliation. This means that individuals are free to organize and participate in peaceful assemblies, such as meetings, rallies, protests, and demonstrations, without restriction or prior permission from the government. However, it is important to note that this right only protects peaceful assembly and does not extend to violent or unlawful gatherings.
Throughout history, the right to peaceful assembly has played a crucial role in social and political movements, allowing people to unite and advocate for change. It empowers individuals to express their views and participate in the democratic process, contributing to a more just and responsive society. By guaranteeing this right, the US Constitution ensures that citizens have a powerful tool to exercise their freedom of speech and influence the direction of their country.
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Right to petition the government
The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were proposed by the First Congress of the United States on September 25, 1789, and ratified on December 15, 1791. The right to petition the government is enshrined in the First Amendment, which states:
> "Congress shall make no law [...] abridging [...] the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The right to petition the government is a fundamental aspect of a democratic society, allowing citizens to express their concerns and seek redress from their elected officials. It is a powerful tool for holding the government accountable and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.
The right to petition the government has a long history in common law and has been recognised as a fundamental right in many countries. In the United States, the right to petition is protected by the First Amendment and has been reaffirmed in numerous court cases. It allows individuals and groups to address their grievances to the government and seek a response or action.
The right to petition the government is not absolute and is subject to certain limitations. For example, petitions must not advocate for unlawful actions or infringe on the rights of others. Additionally, the government is not obligated to respond to every petition or grant the requests made. However, the government must respect the right to petition and provide a fair and reasonable process for citizens to make their voices heard.
Overall, the right to petition the government is a crucial aspect of the US Constitution, empowering citizens to engage with their government and advocate for change. It is a testament to the founding fathers' commitment to creating a government that is responsive to the needs and concerns of its people.
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Frequently asked questions
The original amendments to the US Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. They consist of the first 10 amendments, which were ratified on December 15, 1791.
On September 25, 1789, 12 amendments to the Constitution were proposed by the First Congress of the United States.
Only 10 out of the 12 proposed amendments were ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures on December 15, 1791. These 10 amendments form the Bill of Rights.
Article 1 was never ratified. Article 2 was ratified 203 years after it was proposed, in 1992, as the 27th Amendment to the Constitution.
The original amendments, or the Bill of Rights, include guarantees of religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceful assembly, and the right to petition the government. They also reserve powers to the states or the people that are not delegated to the United States by the Constitution.
