Rights of Citizens:
The Bill of Rights

When the Constitution was ratified in 1789, many people were concerned that it did not protect certain freedoms. They thought that the Constitution should be changed or amended to protect these freedoms. On December 15, 1791, ten amendments were added to the Constitution. These amendments guarantee certain freedoms and rights, so they are known as the Bill of Rights.

Some of the freedoms and rights protected in the Bill of Rights include:

• Freedom of Religion
• Freedom of Assembly
• To Keep and Bear Arms
• Freedom of Speech
• Freedom of the Press
• Protection for those Accused of Crimes

A service of the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.

Last updated: July 8, 2002
Page Name: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/citizenship/rights.html