The U.S. Constitution: The Bill of Rights, the 27 Amendments, and the Declaration of Independence

The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. It was adopted in 1788 and has since been amended 27 times. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments, protects individual freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. The 27th Amendment, ratified in 1992, prevents Congress from giving itself a pay raise that would take effect during the same Congress that passed it. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, is the foundational document of the United States. It proclaims the right of the people to self-government and the principles of liberty and equality.

The Liberty Papers: The US Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The 27 Amendments, The Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers (Annotated)

by Donna Thomson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5662 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	621 pages

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The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It was ratified in 1791 and protects individual freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. The Bill of Rights also includes the right to bear arms, the right to a fair trial, and the right to due process of law.

1. Amendment I: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
2. Amendment II: Right to bear arms.
3. Amendment III: No quartering of soldiers in homes.
4. Amendment IV: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
5. Amendment V: Right to due process of law, protection against self-incrimination, and double jeopardy.
6. Amendment VI: Right to a fair trial, including the right to an attorney.
7. Amendment VII: Right to a jury trial in civil cases.
8. Amendment VIII: Prohibition of excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishment.
9. Amendment IX: Rights not enumerated in the Constitution are retained by the people.
10. Amendment X: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

The 27 Amendments

The 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution have been ratified since the Bill of Rights. They include the 27th Amendment, which prevents Congress from giving itself a pay raise that would take effect during the same Congress that passed it. Other amendments have expanded voting rights, prohibited slavery, and protected the rights of women and minorities.

1. Amendment XI: States cannot be sued by citizens of other states or foreign countries.
2. Amendment XII: Electoral College reforms.
3. Amendment XIII: Abolition of slavery.
4. Amendment XIV: Citizenship rights, due process of law, and equal protection of the laws.
5. Amendment XV: Voting rights for African American men.
6. Amendment XVI: Income tax.
7. Amendment XVII: Direct election of U.S. senators.
8. Amendment XVIII: Prohibition of alcohol.
9. Amendment XIX: Voting rights for women.
10. Amendment XX: Presidential and congressional terms.
11. Amendment XXI: Repeal of Prohibition.
12. Amendment XXII: Term limits for presidents.
13. Amendment XXIII: Voting rights for residents of Washington, D.C.
14. Amendment XXIV: Prohibition of poll taxes.
15. Amendment XXV: Presidential succession and disability.
16. Amendment XXVI: Voting rights for 18-year-olds.
17. Amendment XXVII: Congressional pay raises.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is the foundational document of the United States. It was adopted in 1776 and proclaims the right of the people to self-government and the principles of liberty and equality. The Declaration of Independence is a powerful statement of the American spirit and has inspired people around the world.

The Declaration of Independence begins with the famous words, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

The Declaration of Independence goes on to list the grievances of the American colonists against King George III of Great Britain. These grievances include the king's refusal to allow the colonists to govern themselves, his imposition of taxes without their consent, and his quartering of soldiers in their homes.

The Declaration of Independence concludes with a statement of the colonists' determination to be free and independent. It declares, "We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America ... do solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

The U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the 27 Amendments, and the Declaration of Independence are the foundational documents of the United States. They protect individual freedoms, establish the framework for our government, and proclaim the right of the people to self-government. These documents are a testament to the American spirit and have inspired people around the world.

The Liberty Papers: The US Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The 27 Amendments, The Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers (Annotated)

by Donna Thomson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5662 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	621 pages

FREE