I recently discovered that every single copy of the Constitution that I’ve ever owned is incomplete. There’s a part that’s consistently cut out, without explanation. I’ve not investigated why that’s so, but that’s where we are.
What is the missing part? The Preamble of the Bill of Rights. Yes, boys and girls, the Bill of Rights has a preamble, and it says some interesting things. It states plainly that the purpose of the first ten Amendments is to “prevent misconstruction or abuse of [the Constitution's] powers”. Because the concern was real, people desired “that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added”.
I would remind that when we speak of “our constitutional rights”, we perpetuate a falsehood that benefits those hostile to freedom. The Constitution grants no rights to people other than the ability to vote and run for federal office. The other rights exist independent of the Constitution; we have them because of our nature as human beings. These are the “Natural Rights” mentioned in the Declaration of Independence that cannot be given away, taken away, or otherwise “alienated”. (Look in a good law dictionary such as Black’s Law Dictionary to see what alienation means.)
The Preamble to the Bill of Rights makes reminds us that the Constitution grants the Federal government limited powers. The first ten Amendments exist “in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse” of those limited powers.
So, for everybody’s enjoyment, here is the complete “Bill of Rights” as ratified on December 15, 1791. (Source: Skousen, W. Cleon, The Making of America.)
STGM
Edit:
The national archives web site includes the preamble here.
Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New York, on Wednesday the Fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.
The Conventions of a number of the States having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.:
Articles in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.
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.
Amendment VI
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 committed, which district 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 defence.
Amendment VII
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 reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
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.
