Bill of Rights
Of the many inspiring events that occurred at Federal Hall, perhaps the most stirring of all is the enactment of the Bill of Rights.
For most Americans, the Bill of Rights is the crown jewel of our democracy, a sacred document many cite like Scripture. For people in less free corners of the world, it is a beacon that draws them to immigrate or a shining example of possibility for their own nations.
So, it may come as a surprise to learn that in 1789, passage of the Bill of Rights was anything but a foregone conclusion.
Federalists who advocated for a strong central government in the first Congress believed the rights were self-evident, while anti-federalists, who had been the strongest proponents for a Bill of Rights, were by this time more intent on securing States’ rights.
In 1789, passage of the Bill of Rights was anything but a foregone conclusion.
Only through an unwavering campaign by James Madison was the Bill of Rights finally passed. Interestingly, guaranteeing individual liberties was not even his chief concern. Rather, it was establishing the Constitution as a living document that could be amended.
The Bill of Rights became law on December 15, 1791, with Virginia’s ratification of 10 amendments.
James Madison
Today, it is indelibly intertwined with our daily lives— addressing issues from privacy to religious liberty, marriage equality to due process. Here at Federal Hall, its historic birthplace, we look to honor this legacy by fostering opportunities for all Americans to actively engage with the exercise of their civil liberties.
Bill of Rights
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.
Amendment 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.
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.
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.
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 offense 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.
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 defense.
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 reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
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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