Amendments 1-3

The Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights. They were written by James Madison . They were proposed by the first session of Congress and were adopted in 1791.

Amendment 1. Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly & Petition

-Congress may not pass any law creating an official religion or preventing people from worshiping in their own way. Congress may not limit the rights of the people to speak or write their opinions freely, to gather together in meetings, or to request the government to correct abuses.



Amendment 2. Right to Bear Arms

-People have the right to keep and bear arms, however, this right is not absolute. The national government and many state governments regulate the purchase, possession, and use of firearms.



Amendment 3. Quartering Troops

-No one may be forced to keep soldiers in his or her home during peacetime, or in wartime unless requested to do so by law.