The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States. These fundamental rights protect every American from government overreach and form the foundation of our liberty.
About the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791, as the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were added to address concerns that the original Constitution didn't adequately protect individual liberties and rights from federal government overreach.
Inspired by the Virginia Declaration of Rights and other state declarations, and influenced by English common law principles, the Bill of Rights was championed by Anti-Federalists who feared the new federal government would become too powerful. Federalists like James Madison eventually agreed that explicit protections were necessary to secure ratification and protect the people's liberty.
Today, these amendments remain the most visible and frequently referenced part of the Constitution, guaranteeing freedoms that millions of Americans exercise daily without second thought. They represent our nation's commitment to limiting government power and protecting individual rights.