Today in History: The Bill of Rights

Today in History–December 15–the Library of Congress features the Bill of Rights, ratified on this day in 1791. Did you know that, originally, 12 amendments were proposed? The original first amendment dealt with the number of people each congressional district should have and the second with congressional pay; neither was ratified but the latter did become the 27th amendment 200 years later. Learn more about the ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution known as the Bill of Rights by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below for more Bill of Rights resources.

The Bill of Rights primary source set

Bill of Rights primary source album TPS Teachers Network

Bill of Rights images

The need for a Bill of Rights: letter from James Madison to Thomas Jefferson Oct. 17, 1788

Seventeen proposed amendments to the Constitution passed by the House of Representatives Aug. 24, 1789

Twelve amendments passed by Congress Sep. 25, 1789

Letter from James Madison to George Washington regarding Virginia ratification Dec. 5, 1789

Bill of Rights historical newspaper coverage 1789-1791

Charters of Freedom, Bill of Rights National Archives and Records Administration

Our Documents, Bill of Rights National Archives and Records Administration

The New United States of America Adopted the Bill of Rights, December 15, 1791 from America’s Library

Creating the United States: Bill of Rights interactive online exhibition

Bill of Rights Lesson Plans

Today in History: U.S. Constitution