Publisher Description

Collectively known as the United States Bill of Rights, these first ten amendments to the United States Constitution limit the powers of the federal government and protect the rights of all citizens, residents and visitors on United States territory. Introduced in 1789 in the First United States Congress by James Madison, these amendments came into effect on December 15, 1791, when ratified by three-fourths of the states. This document plays a central role in American law and remains to this day a symbol of the freedoms and culture of this nation. In this beautiful gift edition, the text of the Bill of Rights is set alongside a history of the amendments, thus placing the document in its historical context.

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A guide to the first 10 amendments to the U. S. Constitution, along with information about the history of each one.

Author Biography

A Delegate and a Representative from Virginia and 4th President of the United States; born in Port Conway, VA, March 16, 1751. Died at Montpelier on June 28, 1836. George Mason IV (December 11, 1725 - October 7, 1792) was a United States patriot, statesman, and delegate from Virginia to the U.S. Constitutional Convention.

Table of Contents

I. IntroductionII. The Preamble to the Bill of RightsIII. The Bill of RightsIV. Additional Sources a) James Madison Proposes The Bill of Rights to the House of Representatives b) The Virginia Declaration of Rights Drafted by George Mason c) Federalist No. 10

Long Description

A guide to the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution, along with information about the history of each. Printed in two color printing, this leatherette edition is the perfect gift for any American who cherishes his or her freedom.

Excerpt from Book

Congress OF THE United Statesbegun and held at the City of New York, on Wednesdaythe Fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.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 insure the beneficent ends of its institutionRESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.:ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution. (The Preamble to the Bill of Rights)

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