The Twenty Seventh Amendment

"No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened."

This amendment makes it so Senators and Representatives cannot give themselves a pay raise in the same year of Congress that they work in.  If they do give themselves a pay raise and the people are unhappy with that then they must answer to them; this was a way of checks and balances.  

This is an image showing the difference in income between the working class and the people who work in Congress.  Seems really ridiculous no?!?

This is a comic demonstrating how it seems that many sacrifice when the economy is going through a troubling time, but how that doesn't seem to affect Congressmen or people of the High Upper Class. 

The Twenty Sixth Amendment

"Section 1.

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Section 2.

The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

This amendment made the legal voting age 18 years old for all state and federal elections.  

This image reflects how influential the votes of the younger generation could be if they took a part in federal and state elections.  

This is a figure showing the percentage of voters by age and how it has changed over the years. It is overwhelming that the percentage of younger people that vote is so low compared to the older ages.  What is this saying about the youth of the United States? 

The Twenty Fifth Amendment

"Section 1.

In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President. 

Section 2.

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

Section 3.

Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President. 

Section 4.

Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President. 

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.  Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty eight hours for that purpose if not in session.  If the Congress, within twenty one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office."

This amendment describes the succession of the presidency if any should happen to the president or if he/she is unable to continue their position in office.  When there is no Vice President in office the President appoints one, and the Senate approves.

This image shows the current line of succession as of 2014 if anything were to happen to President Obama.  

I think this is a comical view on how people see the office of Obama, and how they think that anyone taking over office would be better than him (even if that person had no experience).  

The Twenty Fourth Amendment

"Section 1.

The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors or President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.

Section 2.

The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

This amendment prohibited the federal and state governments from imposing poll taxes before a citizen can participate in an election.  Before this amendment was proposed and ratified it was a way to exclude certain groups of people from voting.   

This cartoon is a depiction of the poll tax and how it stopped millions of people from being able to vote because they couldn't afford it.  

This image shows how many people were upset because the government tried to force people from their right to vote after various amendments of the Constitution had given citizens those rights.  

The Twenty Third Amendment

"Section 1.

The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint  in such manner as the Congress may direct: A number of electors  of President and Vice President equal to the number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the States, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be the electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.

 

Section 2.

The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

This amended Article 2, Section 2 of the Constitution.  It gave the District of Columbia the same amount of electors as the smallest state in the Union, which currently means it has 3 electoral votes.  The district still does not have any actual congressman in the House or Senate.  

This comic is an illustration of how weird it seems that a District is allowed to have it's own electoral votes but not any one to represent it in the House and Senate.  

This is an image of a license plate in the District of Columbia, they are saying that it isn't very fair that they are taxed yet they are not allowed to be represented.  

The Twenty Second Amendment

"Section 1.

No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.  But this Article shall not apply yo any person holding the office of President, when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term. 

Section 2.

This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress."

This amendment had to do with the President’s limits on term.  This was initially suggested by Thomas Jefferson because without such a limit the presidency could last for a lifetime.  George Washington had also thought the same way and only served two terms because he didn't want to be seen as a king.  The only Presidents that ran for a third term were Ulysses S. Grant and F.D.R. and this was because people didn't like to change the President during a time of war because they wanted to keep the country unified.  

This Calvin and Hobbes comic is a funny way to look at the terms of the president, and in Calvin's case the terms that his father is in "office".  

This caricature of Obama and Clinton put a funny twist on how many have feelings of wanting to repeal the 22nd amendment.  I also think that Clinton wouldn't mind being a President again for a third term.

The Twenty First Amendment

"Section 1. 

The eighteenth article of amendment of the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed. 

Section 2.

The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.

Section 3.

This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress."

This amendment repealed the eighteenth amendment because it was overall a bad idea.  The only real people that benefited from the eighteenth amendment was organized crime.  Franklin D. Roosevelt was the one that campaigned for the repeal during the Depression because he wanted to boost the economy and have Tax Revenues.  

This image just shows how excited that people were that the prohibition era had ended, and that people continue to "celebrate" the anniversary of this amendment.  

This image also shows how happy people were to get their alcohol back, and not only was it a happy time for them but a happy time for the boosting of the economy and to get back on our feet from the Great Depression.  

The Twentieth Amendment

"Section 1. 

The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20^th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3^rd day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Section 2.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3^rd day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.

Section 3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President.  If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act a President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified. 

Section 4.

The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them. 

Section 5.

Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15^th day of October following the ratification of this article. 

Section 6.

This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission."

This amendment has to do with changing the dates of inauguration and the terms of the President.  The inauguration used to be on March 4 and this is because back in the day people didn't have cars and were not able to move in and out of the White House fast enough.  Now the date of inauguration for legislation is January 3^rd, and for the President it is January 20^th.  

This image just shows how one president takes over for another by the way of the twentieth amendment.

This is a pretty fun video explaining the 20th amendment and the "Lame Duck" phase that Congress goes through.  

The Nineteenth Amendment

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. 

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

This amendment has to do with women’s suffrage.  A lot of the protesting and pushing for the right for women to be able to vote was in the 1920’s; which was 50 years after everyone else had the right to vote.  During that time period women were not considered anything more than property, but thanks to many women fighting for the right to vote and prove that men and women were equal, women are viewed differently. 

Although now-a-days, women are said to have the same rights as men, it still seems that we are seen differently.  This is why we are known as the 51% minority because that is still how many Americans see women.  

This amendment is especially important to me because it has to do with my rights as a woman and how unfair a lot of things were and are for women back then and now.  Although some things seem to be getting better I feel like women in general are seen as inferior to men.  Which is completely outrageous to think that many people still think this way in the 21st century.  

This image is of the women's suffrage movement and how many women campaigned for the right to vote.  It also shows how far women were willing to go to be allowed the same right as everyone else.  

I love this image of a woman with power.  It is a very iconic image just showing how strong women really are and that we can do anything when we put effort and our minds into it.  

The Eighteenth Amendment

"Section 1.

After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof beverage purposes is hereby prohibited. 

Section 2.

The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 

Section 3.

This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of submission hereof to the States by the Congress."

This amendment has to do with the prohibition of alcohol.  It was amended to the Constitution because it was thought that getting rid of alcohol would put an end to the problem.  It also had a lot to do with taxes and the sixteenth amendment.  This amendment made it illegal to import or export any alcohol.  

This image shows how many people were against the prohibition of alcohol, and how willing people were to campaign and get it back.  

This image is just an article showing the date that all states ratified the prohibition of alcohol and how it was called a "momentous day in world's history" which I am guessing is because it was so outrageous.  

The Seventeenth Amendment

"The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.  The electors in each State shall have one vote.  The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures. 

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct. 

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution."

This amendment repealed Article 1, Section 3 of the Constitution.  This was changed because the representatives were only being chosen from a specific group of people who had the same ideals as the framers.  This had to change because of controversial scandals like “buying your seat”, which didn't allow the people to control their government.  Because of this now the people elect our senators and representatives.  

This image shows why the seventeenth amendment was put into place.  The people who are becoming representatives of this country need to be elected and shouldn't be able to buy their places there. 

This image shows the controversial feelings about being able to vote for your representatives.  To this day some people feel that their votes in the government don't really count or matter.  

The Sixteenth Amendment

"The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration."

This amendment is all about having to pay taxes.  It gave power to Congress to tax the income of individuals and corporations without having to pay attention to the state’s population.  

This image shows how a lot of people feel about being taxes; how they have no power against it and almost feel as though they are getting robbed of their earned money without their consent.  

I think this image just shows how overwhelming the taxes on people are getting.  I also feel like it shows that there is no way to get away from them.  

The Fifteenth Amendment

"Section 1.

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. 

Section 2.

The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

This amendment gave the ex slaves the right to vote in 1870 when it was ratified, but many were still denied voting rights through 1964-1965.  

This video is showing the connection between the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments in the Constitution.  

This image shows how different Congress men tried to use the fifteenth amendment to gain votes for an election. 

The Fourteenth Amendment

"Section 1.

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.  No States shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. 

Section 2.

Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed.  But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the mal inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State. 

Section 3.

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President , or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.  But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. 

Section 4.

The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.  But neither the United State nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void. 

Section 5.

The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article."

This amendment made the ex-slaves citizens.  It goes hand in hand with the thirteenth and the fifteenth amendment in trying to give rights to the former slaves.  In Section 2 of this amendment the voting rights are denied to convicted felons, even after they served their sentences.  Although you could request from the governor to give the right back but it cost a lot of money.  This amendment also made it so that anyone born in the United States automatically becomes a citizen and allows them all the rights that come with becoming a citizen.  

This image just shows how the fourteenth amendment became a step further in progressing the country further and working on the path to treat all people equally. 

This is a video about the discussion that is ongoing with the fourteenth amendment and immigration laws.  This Senator argues that "anchor babies" should not be allowed the same rights as other citizens because their parents were not citizens.  This seems really odd to me because the fourteenth amendment has been guaranteeing citizenship for all people born in the United States since it was ratified.  

The Thirteenth Amendment

"Section 1.

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. 

Section 2.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation."

This amendment is pretty straight forward; it freed the slaves and eliminated forced or involuntary labor forever except in the cases of labor of convicted criminals, in military services for those drafted, and for jury duty.  Although the slaves were freed, it didn't solve a lot of the problems it had caused.  

This image shows how important Abraham Lincoln was to the thirteenth amendment and the abolition of slavery.  His "New Birth of a Freedom" in the Gettysburg Address was what got the ball rolling on the thought of freedom for everyone.  

This image is significant because it shows the importance of treating everyone equal and that not one person is better than another.  

The Twelfth Amendment

"The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate;

The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and votes shall then be counted;

The person having the greatest Number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person have such majority, then from the persons having the highest numbers not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President.  But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be necessary to a choice.  And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President. 

The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice.  But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States."

This amendment describes the election process.  It also stated that the President and Vice President would be voted on separately and that Congress would pick from the top three candidates. It as well states that the Vice President must have the same qualifications as the President in case he must take his place.  Although it is not a specified rule it is implied and strongly recommended that the Vice President and President are from different states. 

 

This video shows the process of the electoral college and the election process. It is a fun way to look and learn about the processes.  

This is a map of the election in 2012.  It shows the number of electoral votes each state has and which states were won by each candidate.  

The Eleventh Amendment

"The Judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by Citizens of another State or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State."

This amendment was the right that someone from a different state or country could not sue a state through Federal Government.  This is also connected to Article 3 which has to do with the Court system and the judicial powers of the government.  This amendment is important because it doesn't allow the Supreme Court system to overpower the court of the State.  

This video shows a controversy over Arizona's immigration policies.  It talks about how the federal government of the United States is allowing a lot of Latin American countries to try and sue Arizona through the Federal Court because they say it is going against foreign policy.  

  

This is a picture of the article that shows the case Chisholm v. Georgia 1793 which affirmed that citizens could sue states in Federal Court and that their rights cannot be completely ruled out by the government.  The ruling in this case gave states immunity from this.  But is also made it where someone could sue states through state governments.  

The Tenth Amendment

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

The tenth amendment is similar to the ninth in that it talks about the rights given to the people and only to the people.  This idea came from the Anti-Federalists that wanted the people to hold all the power except those powers that were delegated to the federal government by the constitution.  The tenth amendment protects sovereignty.  A lot of the powers that were given to the people come out of the Articles of the Confederation which gave a lot of power to the states.

This image shows that many people have a strong stance on the rights they are allowed.  And that many feel the need to control the central government and not allow the federal government to make decisions that affect more than just a few people.  

This cartoon depicts how important the rights given to the states and only the states is important and necessary, and the federal government doesn't have the right to intervene in those rights.  

The Ninth Amendment

"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage, others retained by the people."

The ninth amendment has to do with rights that have not been listed.  Just because certain rights have not been specifically mentioned, the constitution cannot say that we don't have them. This is a very important amendment because it allows for the rights of people to be interpreted when they are not going against the law.  It gives the people quite a lot of different rights many would think that they are not allowed.  It also brings about the idea of privacy and the rights that come along with it.

This cartoon depicts that even though we think we are allowed the right to privacy that many are still being watched and recorded by government officials.  

This image just states that many people don't want their right to privacy to be taken away from them.  They feel the need to state that they are allowed to have secrecy within their life.  

The Eighth Amendment

"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."

The eighth amendment is important because it protects the defendants in a criminal trial from being forced into being coerced.  It also brings the issue of capital punishment to light. It puts the decision of the death penalty in the hands of the judge and not the jury.  The death penalty is a big controversy because you could end up sending an innocent man to his death.

This cartoon depicts that even though the eighth amendment says it doesn't allow cruel and unusual punishment that it is not always true in all the cases for everyone and that torture is allowed in some situations.  

I for one am not completely certain on my stance on the death penalty but I believe that this cartoon depicts how ridiculous some states can be when it comes to the death penalty.  How could pain not be intentionally inflicted, Kentucky? (When that is the whole purpose of it).  

The Seventh Amendment

"In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law."

This amendment guarantees jury trials in cases that deprive one's life and liberty - criminal prosecution for death and felony in property cases.  The founders of the Constitution saw the juries as a check for federal judges.  Judges can decide 4 things.  1. decides the issue of the law.  2. moves to decide equitable relief.  3. Jury decides guilt or innocence as judge decides how evidence can be used.  4. if a judge believes that jury have disregarded evidence he can overrule and start the trial over.  Although the value for suits is now over 70,000, and that is because they are trying to keep people out of court rooms.  This amendment is important because it makes sure that the criminal trials are fair for the ones being prosecuted.  Like stated before, the jury and the judge are like checks on each other.

This cartoon proves that everyone eventually will have to do jury duty at least once in their life.  Eventually you will be called upon to serve and there is nothing that you will be able to do.  

This just depicts that the jury made up of your peers has to be one of all different backgrounds, to make sure that no one person has the same biased opinion.  They want to choose people that are all different so that they can span the perspectives of all types.  

The Sixth Amendment

"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense." 

The sixth amendment guaranteed eight things 1. a speedy and public trial.  2. the trials must take place in public, the accused must be informed of case and the nature of the accusation. 3. witnesses for prosecution must testify in public.4. the defendant can produce witnesses on his/her behalf. 5. the defendant has the right to secure council. 6. jury of your own peers (not within county or city) 7. juries are to be unbiased. 8. the speedy trials must take place within a reasonable amount of time of indictment. The reason for public trials stemmed from not having any secrecy and that they though that people wouldn't lie with taking an oath over the bible and in front of a judge.  This amendment is important because it states the rights given to all people, even criminals.  It makes the laws more equal and fair for everyone.  

This image shows that even though it is a guarantee to a speedy trial, that it is not always what the defendant wants. It is also important to them to be able to defend themselves.  

This image shows the importance of having the criminal trials public because you wouldn't want the judge or the prosecutor the only ones allowed because the could influence or coerce a person to say things that they didn't want or that they don't believe.  

The Fifth Amendment

"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 offense 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."

The fifth amendment protects citizens from a government that might harass them.  This amendment is really important to the rights of the people in committing crimes.  This amendment does many things, it protects us from self incrimination (but not confessing to a crime), the right to due process - government action must never be improper or unfair.  It must strictly follow the rules and steps set down by the law.  Out of the fifth amendment came the Miranda Rights (the ones we see on the television shows like Law and Order), rights that must be read to someone when you are charging them of a crime.  It also states the rights of Imminent Domain, where the state and federal government must compensate former owners of private property a "full and perfect equivalent" for what was taken.


Stephen Colbert Pleading the Fifth

I couldn't get this video in this post, but there is a link to the video on the Daily Show's website.  It basically shows Stephen Colbert invoking his fifth amendment rights when Jon Stewart asks him about his show.

This cartoon is just a funny way of looking at the rights allowed by the fifth amendment and the right against self incrimination.  

The Fourth Amendment

"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 probably cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

The fourth amendment guarantees that without a warrant, the search and seizure of persons, houses, documents (papers), and effects (weapons) is illegal.  The reason that this amendment came into place is because of the Writs of Assistance, when the kings men at any place and time could arrest anyone, and the founding fathers wanted to protect the people from this being able to happen.  The government officials cannot search or seize without probable cause and a warrant authorized by a court.  But this amendment does not protect things that are in plain view or things that one might say to give the official probable cause. Something else that is important that comes from the fourth amendment is the Exclusionary Rule stating that any evidence taken in violation of the fourth amendment cannot be used in a criminal trial.  

This image shows how no matter where you live, it is important to be able to protect your rights to privacy.  

Both of these images show that the fourth amendment is very important to all people and protecting their property and their rights, and unfortunately that not all government officials follow the rules stated in the fourth amendment.  

The Third Amendment

"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."

This amendment is important to us because we need to be able to have the right to say yes or no to people entering your house.  Many probably think that it wouldn't matter if a soldier came and quartered their house in a time of war but who really knows how patriotic they would be if some random soldier came and took over their house.  There are many other options that the government could take before sending soldiers to take over houses.  This amendment is also a protection implied regarding privacy and property rights from government intrusion.  

As we can see from this image, having the government take over our homes is a quite upsetting subject for many Americans.  Like I stated before, as much as one would like to think that they would support the idea of having government officials enter your house without notice or permission, you really can never predict how it would make you feel.  

This cartoon depicts the third amendment in action.  

The Second Amendment

"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."

This is a very controversial amendment because some people believe that they should have no restrictions on their rights to bear arms and on the other hand many people feel that there should be some restrictions on those who are allowed to bear arms.  Many of the regulations are done at State and Local levels instead of Government levels.  Although many are upset about what should be allowed by the third amendment, they should see that the government is only looking to implement better and safer solutions for all, and that they are not trying to take away any person's rights.  

This cartoon shows that there must be some restrictions put on the the right to bear arms, because if there aren't you could have your next door neighbor carrying lethal weapons just because he says he can.

This is a video showing how people feel about the rights put on the right to bear arms, and how the safe act has brought about so many different opinions from different people to the public.  

The First Amendment

"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."

 This amendment is one of the most essential amendments because it addresses so many rights given to the people in order to protect some of their most important liberties against federal government.  These rights are important in the expression of each person and allows everyone to have their own set of thoughts and beliefs and be able to express them freely.  Without the first amendment I am not sure what kind of system of government we would have because the people wouldn't be able to express what they need and expect from government. The ability to complain to and about the government without fear of recourse make our government what it is to this day. 

 This cartoon from Calvin and Hobbes just shows how important the rights explained in the first amendment are to all citizens.

This video shows how the government is adapting to the society, and that unfortunately many people have no idea what is protected by the first amendment.  

The Articles

Article I

Section 1.

All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives

Section 2.

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, thee fifths of all other Persons. 

The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. 

Section 3.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes.  The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if the Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies.

 

 No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be and Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

 

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the absence, of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States. 

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments.  When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation.  When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Section 4.

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representative, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of Choosing Senators. 

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.

Section 5.

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller number may adjourn form day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide. 

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.  Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting. 

Section 6.

The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.  They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felon, and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either Houses, they shall not be questioned in any other Place. 

No Senator or Representative shall during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

 

Section 7.

All bills for raising Revenue, shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it.  If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which is shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law.  But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively.  If an Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill. 

Section 8.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States, but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States.;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and Post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulations of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. 

Section 9.

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. 

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No capitation, or other direct.  Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. 

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State. 

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another. 

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. 

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State. 

Section 10.

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation: grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money, emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility. 

No State shall, without Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by and State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Control of the Congress.  

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay. 

Article II

Section 1.

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.  He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and Vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate.  The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall be counted.  The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one that has such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately choose by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from Each State having one Vote, a quorum for this Purpose shall consist of Member or Members from two-thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice.  In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President.  But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall choose from them by Ballot the Vice-President. 

The Congress may determine the Time of choosing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States. 

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. 

In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress made by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation, or Inability both of the President and Vice President declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. 

President shall, at states Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will do the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States”

Section 2.

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principle Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to their Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses Against the United States, except in the Cases of Impeachment. 

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Councils, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: But the Congress made by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of the next Session. 

Section 3.

He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officer of the United States. 

Section 4.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. 

Article III

Section 1.

The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.  The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behavior, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office. 

Section 2.

The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority; to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Councils; to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction; to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party; to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens; between Citizens of different States; between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens of Subjects.  

 In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Councils, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction.  In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. 

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress made by Law have directed. 

Section 3.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.  No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have power to declare the Punishment or Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiter except during the Life of the Person attainted. 

Article IV

Section 1.

Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State.  And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.   

Section 2.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. 

A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime. 

No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, But shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. 

Section 3.

New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any state be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice and Claims of the United States, or of any particular State. 

Section 4.

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. 

Article V

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the First Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. 

Article VI

All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation. 

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, and Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. 

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office of public Trust under the United States. 

Article VII

The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. 

Done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth.  In Witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names. 

George Washington – President and deputy from Virginia

New Hampshire:

John Langdon,

Nicholas Gilman

Massachusetts:

Nathaniel Gorham,

Rufus King

Connecticut:

Wm. Saml. Johnson,

Roger Sherman

New York:

Alexander Hamilton

New Jersey:

William Livingston,

David Brearley,

William Patterson,

Jonathan Dayton

Pennsylvania:

Benjamin Franklin,

Thomas Mifflin,

Robert Morris,

George Clymer,

Thomas Fitzsimons,

Jared Ingersoll,

James Wilson,

Gouvernour Morris

Delaware:

George Read,

Gunning Bedford Jr.,

John Dickinson,

Richard Bassett,

Jacob Broom

Maryland:

James McHenry,

Dan. of St Thos. Jenifer,

Daniel Carroll

Virginia:

John Blair,

James Madison Jr.

North Carolina:

William Blount,

Richd. Dobbs Spaight,

Hugh Williamson

South Carolina:

John Rutledge,

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney,

Charles Pinckney,

Pierce Butler

Georgia:

William Few,

Abraham Bladwin