The Bill of Rights

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 ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

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The Bill of Rights

The document on permanent display in the Rotunda is the enrolled original Joint Resolution passed by Congress on September 25, 1789, proposing 12-not 10-amendments to the Constitution.

 

Read a Transcript  |   View in National Archives Catalog

 

The Constitution might never have been ratified if the framers hadn't promised to add a Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments to the Constitution gave citizens more confidence in the new government and contain many of today's Americans' most valued freedoms.

 

Read an Article About the Bill of Rights

"A More Perfect Union" provides an in-depth look at the Constitutional Convention, the ratification  process, and the adoption of the Bill of rights

 

More Constitutional Amendments

"Discover the other changes and additions that have been made to the Constitution over the past 200+ years."

 

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