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[Bill of Rights]
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.
- Article the first [Not Ratified]
- 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 [Amendment XXVII - Ratified 1992]
- 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 [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.
- Article the fourth [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.
- Article the fifth [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.
- Article the sixth [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.
- Article the seventh [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 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 [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 defence.
- Article the ninth [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
re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common
law.
- Article the tenth [Amendment VIII]
- Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual
punishments inflicted.
- Article the eleventh [Amendment IX]
- The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny
or disparage others retained by the people.
- Article the twelfth [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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