Bill of Rights Day December 15th, 1791

Bill of Rights Day

This day was signed into practice by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on December 15, 1941, one hundred and fifty years after the actual signing of the Bill of Rights by our forefathers. Ironically, he proclaimed the holiday just one week after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor initiating the United States' involvement in World War II where freedom issues were at the core of wartime dogma.

While the U.S. Constitution was written in 1787, it wasn't until 1791 that the ten Bill of Rights were ratified by the Colonies. The Bill of Rights was introduced by James Madison to the First United States Congress.

The ten Bill of Rights are summarized as:

1) Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Right to Peaceably Assemble, Petition Government for redress of grievance

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.

2) The right to bear arms

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.

3) Consent to house soldiers

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.

4) No unreasonable searches or seizures

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.

5) No self incrimination, due process

No person shall be held to answer for any 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.

6) Jury trial for all, public defense

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 where in 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.

7) In common law, right of jury trial

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.

8) No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

9) Constitution cannot deny rights of others

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

10) Governmental power default to the states

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.

Constitutional Journal Jar Set

Truly a wonderful family Christmas gift set.

Teach your children, family and friends the truth of our Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights.

Handmade keepsake journal in each set.

Includes 60 questions and a 39-page brochure that contains all the answers.

"Preserve your answers
Write them up well.
What you forget,
You can never retell.
But a journal that's kept fresh with care
Will help you remember in the future --
in order to share!"

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