September 25, 1789: The Bill of Rights is Passed
On this day in 1789, Congress approved twelve amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were known as the Bill of Rights and were designed to protect the basic rights of all Americans.
The Bill of Rights guaranteed the freedom of speech, press, assembly and exercise of religion, the right to fair legal procedure and to bear arms, and that powers not delegated to the federal government were reserved for the states and the people.
In December 1791, Virginia became the tenth of fourteen states to approve ten of the twelve amendments. This marked the two-thirds majority of state ratification to legalize the Bill of Rights.
To read all twelve amendments approved by Congress and presented to the states, explore this Chronicles of the Revolution page.
Photo: Library of Congress
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