Constitution • 1791

The Bill of Rights

James Madison

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Ratified in 1791 as the first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights was Madison's answer to Anti-Federalist demands for explicit protection of speech, religion, arms, due process, and reserved powers. Without it, several states would not have ratified the Constitution.

Article 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 II. 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.

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