Did you know that the original bill of rights was actually 12?
The U.S. Constitution was originally written without these personal rights but due to problems with getting states to ratify the Constitution these were a promised compromise.
The framers of the Constitution were sure that the limitations of the federal government specified in the Constitution were sufficient to guarantee state and individual rights. Some of the states, however, insisted that those individual rights be spelled out so there could be no infringement.
Congress finally did propose 12 amendments to be added as the Bill of Rights. The original twelve are as follows:
In summary, this was an apportionment enumeration of U.S. Representative districts. 30,000 in size for up to 100 Representatives, 40,000 in size up to 200 and 50,000 in size after that. As of 2010 that would have given us 6175 seats. (Not yet ratified)
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened. (Finally ratified in 1992 as the 27th 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. (Became the first, ratified Dec. 15, 1791 as were all the rest)
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. (Became the second)
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. (Became the third)
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. (Became the fourth)
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. (Became the fifth)
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. (Became the sixth)
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. (Became the seventh)
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. (Became the eighth)
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. (Became the ninth)
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. (Became the tenth)
And that is how we got our first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
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