The first ten amendments to the Constitution were ratified December 15, 1791. The amendments form what is known as the Bill of Rights. The original constitutions of the states of Virginia (1776) and Massachusetts (1780) had such stipulations protecting the rights of individuals. Those states, Pennsylvania, and New York ratified the Constitution on the expectation that statements safeguarding individual liberties would be added. As a representative from Virginia, James Madison proposed amending the Constitution to include a Bill of Rights.

Amendment 1: 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 2: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and...