We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

• Drafted on June 11, 1776
• Ratified on July 4, 1776
• Signed on August 2, 1776

1. Legislative power
2. Executive power
3. Judicial power
4. States' powers and limits
5. Process of amendment
6. Federal power
7. Ratification

• Completed on September 17, 1787
• Took effect on March 4, 1789

Consists of ten amendments

1. Freedom of speech, press, religion, peaceable assembly, and to petition the government
2. Right to keep and bear arms
3. Protection from quartering of troops
4. Protection from unreasonable search and seizure
5. Due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, private property
6. Trial by jury and other rights of the accused.
7. Civil trial by jury
8. Prohibition of excessive bail, as well as cruel or unusual punishment
9. Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights
10. Powers of states and people

• Took effect on December 15, 1791