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Note: The text below the Constitutional Fast Facts is a transcription of the
first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in their original form. These
amendments--what amount to the first 10 "corrections" to the Constitution--were
ratified Dec. 15, 1791. They form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."
This is important to all Mass Communication students.
Fast Facts About the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights:
- The U. S Constitution was written in the same Pennsylvania State House
where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington
received his commission as Commander of the Continental Army. Now called
Independence Hall, the building still stands today on Independence Mall in
Philadelphia, directly across from the National Constitution Center.
- Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on Sept. 17. But it wasn't
until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine states. It was not
approved in 1776; that was another important, but completely different,
document--the Declaration of Independence.
- The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that
were guarded by sentries.
- Some of the original framers and many delegates in the state ratifying
conventions were very troubled that the original Constitution lacked a
description of individual rights. In 1791, Americans added a list of rights
to the Constitution. The first 10 amendments became known as The Bill of
Rights
- Established on Nov. 26, 1789, the first national "Thanksgiving Day" was
originally created by George Washington as a way of "giving thanks" for the
Constitution.
- Of the written national constitutions, the U.S. Constitution is the
oldest and shortest.
- At 81,Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest delegate at the
Constitutional Convention and at 26, Jonathon Dayton of New Jersey was the
youngest.
- The original Constitution is on display at the National Archives in
Washington, D.C. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, it was moved to Fort
Knox, Ky., for safekeeping.
- More than 11,000 amendments have been introduced in Congress. Thirty
three have gone to the states to be ratified and twenty seven have received
the necessary approval from the states to actually become amendments to the
Constitution.
The Bill of Rights Follows Below--The First Amendment is enlarged because it
is the key constitutional element in my classes.
--Prof. Weis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and
unusual punishments inflicted.
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed
to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
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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