The first Congress of the United States approved 12
amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and sent them
to the states for ratification.

The amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were
designed to protect the basic rights of U.S. citizens,
guaranteeing 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.

Influenced by the English Bill of Rights of 1689, the Bill
of Rights was also drawn from Virginia’s Declaration of
Rights, drafted by George Mason in 1776.

First page of an original copy of the twelve proposed
articles of amendment, as passed by Congress.