On October 2, 1789, the U.S. Congress sent twelve proposed amendments to the Constitution to the states for ratification. Ten of these would become known as the Bill of Rights. The amendments were written to address concerns about individual liberties and limits on federal power. They protected freedoms such as speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. They also dealt with issues like searches and seizures, fair trials, and powers reserved to the states and the people. The Bill of Rights became a core part of American constitutional law and civil liberties debate.
