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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.
- Article the first [Not Ratified]
- After the first enumeration required by the first article of the Constitution,
there shall be one Representative for every thirty thousand, until the number
shall amount to one hundred, after which the proportion shall be so regulated
by Congress, that there shall be not less than one hundred Representatives, nor
less than one Representative for every forty thousand persons, until the number
of Representatives shall amount to two hundred; after which the proportion
shall be so regulated by Congress, that there shall not be less than two
hundred Representatives, nor more than one Representative for every fifty
thousand persons.
- Article the second [Amendment XXVII -
Ratified 1992]
- No law, varying the compensation for the services of
the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of
Representatives shall have intervened.
- Article the third [Amendment I]
- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the
right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
- Article the fourth [Amendment
II][3]
- A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the
security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall
not be infringed.
- Article the fifth [Amendment III]
- No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the
consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by
law.
- Article the sixth [Amendment IV]
- The right of the people to be secure in their persons,
houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall
not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause,
supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be
searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
- Article the seventh [Amendment V]
- No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or
otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand
Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia,
when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to
be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor
shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself,
nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property,
without due process of law; nor shall private property
be taken for public use, without just compensation.
- Article the eighth [Amendment VI]
- In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a
speedy and public trial, by
an impartial jury of the
State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district
shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to
be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him;
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in
his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for
his defence.
- Article the ninth [Amendment VII]
- In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy
shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and
no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the
United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
- Article the tenth [Amendment VIII]
- Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor
cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
- Article the eleventh [Amendment IX]
- The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain
rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the
people.
- Article the twelfth [Amendment X]
- The powers not delegated to the United States by the
Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States
respectively, or to the people.
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