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 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.

GEORGE MASON (1725 – 1792)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Johnny Cash now stands among the most
famous politicians, trailblazers and activists of American history
as he became the first professional musician to be honored with
a statue in the U.S. Capitol.

Congressional leaders from both parties and members of the Cash
family were among the several hundred guests who gathered
Tuesday for the unveiling of the statue.

Kevin Kresse poses with his Johnny Cash statue.

The Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed by Congress and signed
by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme
Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices
who were to serve on the court until death or retirement.

That day, President Washington nominated John Jay to preside
as chief justice, and John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair,
Robert Harrison and James Wilson to be associate justices. On September 26, all six appointments were confirmed by the U.S.
Senate.

GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732 – 1799)

John Jay ( 1745 – May 17, 1829)