We had so much fun celebrating Constitution Day with an 8-piece reading of the U.S. Constitution, we thought the Bill of Rights should get the same treatment!
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution (originally proposed as 12) were passed by Congress in September 1789. It took more than two years to achieve the required number of states, ratifying on December 15, 1791.
If you made it through the Constitution, this is a piece of cake – TWO easy pieces. Again, we’re taking liberties with our standard Serve60Sharp 1-minute read, but for another good cause. Each will take you barely two minutes.
- Reading Notes: Spelling, capitalization, and punctuation is from the original text.
- If you’d like to dig deeper, we’ve included a resource section at the bottom.
Keep scrolling for the text, I won’t make you read it from this graphic!
Amendment I
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.
Amendment II
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.
Amendment III
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.
Amendment IV
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.
Amendment V
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 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.
Resources: Dig Deeper
- First Amendment: Fundamental Freedoms
- Second Amendment: Right to Bear Arms
- Third Amendment: Quartering Soldiers
- Fourth Amendment: Searches and Seizures
- Fifth Amendment: Rights of Persons
Happy reading,
Stephanie Sharp
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