The sensory bins for rainy daysUnited States Bill of Rights.

The Ten Original Amendments to the Constitution of the United States

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789

Ratified December 15, 1791

I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, orprohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or ofthe press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition theGovernment for a redress of grievances.

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 beinfringed.

III

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without theconsent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed bylaw.

IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, andeffects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, andno Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath oraffirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and thepersons or things to be seized.

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 arisingin the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in timeof War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense tobe twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminalcase to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, orproperty, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken forpublic use without just compensation.

VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedyand public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein thecrime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previouslyascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of theaccusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsoryprocess for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance ofcounsel for his defense.

VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twentydollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by ajury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, thanaccording to the rules of the common law.

VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required nor excessive fines imposed, nor crueland unusual punishments inflicted.

IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not beconstrued to deny or disparage others retained by thepeople. 

X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, norprohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or tothe people.