10/20/2017
Recently, I was given the task of writing a label for two beautiful, large, brass, plates of The Declaration of Independence and a resolution from the first congressional meeting after the ratification of our new Constitution. It was the duty of this first congress to pass any legislation needed to allow the new government system to be successfully implemented. The Confederation Congress, under The Articles of Confederation, chose to hand over their power to the new Constitutional Congress on March 4, 1789, when they would meet for the first time at Federal Hall in New York City. One of the tasks on the minds of those at this session would have been how to better the Constitution and to “amend it” in a way that the government could not overreach its power over the rights of the people. This first congressional meeting is known today as the most important in American History.
�The resolution from March 4, 1789, which is depicted on the brass plate, shows the legislative branch already hard at work on their first day proposing articles that they hoped might be added as amendments to the new government system. Such possible amendments included:
�1.There shall be one representative for every thirty thousand until the number of representatives reached 100, after which Congress would regulate the proportion.
�2. There will be no laws changing the compensation for Senators or Representatives until an intervening election of Representatives.
�3. Congress will make no law regarding the establishment of religion, or abridging free speech or the freedom of the press, the right to peaceful assembly, or the right to petition the government
�4.That as a well regulated Militia is necessary for the security of a free state, the right to bear arms would not be infringed.
�5. That no soldier in time of peace would be quartered in anyone’s house without consent of the owner, or in times of war except in a manner prescribed by the law.
�6. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures and without probable cause.
�7. A person will not be put on trial twice for the same crime, nor will they be forced to act as witness against themselves, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor will private property be taken away for public use without just compensation.
�8. The right of accused in criminal cases to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the state and jurisdiction in which the crime was committed.
�9. In suits of common law, in controversies where the value may exceed $20, the right of trial by jury is preserved.
�10. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, or cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.�
11. The enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
�12. Powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states by it, are reserved to the states respectively or the people.
�It is interesting, in reading this list, to see the beginning of our modern day Bill of Rights starting to form. What similarities or differences do YOU see to our current day Bill of Rights in these 12 proposed amendments? Which ones made it to the final Bill of Rights? And which ones were dropped?
