|
 
LEST WE FORGET
Throughout the history of our great Republic there have been
moments that have been burned into the fabric of our Flag a symbol of our
freedom. The most recent December 7th 1941 and the attacks on September 11th
2001 will forever be etched into that fabric. We must never forget what our Flag
represents. The Constitution of the United States and first ten amendments
otherwise known as the
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 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; 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 [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.
ATTEST: Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, Speaker of the House
of Representatives
|