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proponents of the Constitution and attempted to persuade the citizenry through a series of articles that
have come to be known as the Federalist Papers.

The Federalist Papers still serve as a guide to many judges in interpreting the intent of the US
Constitution.

The Rights and Responsibilities of the U.S. Citizen

The U.S. Constitution signed in 1787 did not contain a list of citizens’
rights, an exclusion that quickly brought criticism from the Anti-
Federalists who argued that the exclusion of rights was proof that the
constitution’s framers wanted power. On the other side, there was also
concern from some Federalists who thought that a specific of list of
rights would be interpreted as the only rights a citizen possessed.

However, the majority of Federalists saw a great need for a list of
rights, and James Madison took up the task in the summer of 1789.
Using state charters and other writings as models, he submitted his draft
to congress, and it was passed in December of that year.

While the Bill of Rights comprises a group of amendments, it is an
essential piece of the US Constitution itself. See below to read more
about the Bill of Rights: The US Constitution

The Bill of Rights

While we frequently hear about the Bill of Rights (“He took the 5th,” etc.), it is rare that we come across
the actual text of the amendments. Here’s a review of the language as it appears in one of our most
important documents.

The First Amendment
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.

The Second Amendment
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.

The Third Amendment
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.

The Fourth Amendment
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.

The Fifth Amendment
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 offence to be