This Constitution Day, know your rights: The Bill of Rights

The Sept. 9 debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. It’s not far from Independence Hall, where the first Constitutional Convention delegates signed the document on Sept. 17, 1787.

The United States observes Constitution Day every Sept. 17. To mark the occasion, WDET hosts and reporters read two key parts of the Constitution — the Preamble and the Bill of Rights. Some also shared what certain amendments mean to them.

As the 2024 election approaches, we hope this will spark your interest in American history and the democratic process.

Preamble

Read by Pat Batcheller, host of Morning Edition; senior news editor

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Amendment I

Read by Tristan McFolley, WDET intern

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.

What Tristan said about it:

“The First Amendment is a cornerstone of democracy. The right to freely express oneself is how diverse societies are nurtured. Progressive ideas develop more rapidly when people may publicly represent their beliefs and cultures. The First Amendment —and ideas similar to it — are all crucial principles in moving the world forward.”

Amendment II

Read by Alex McLenon, reporter

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.

What Alex said about it:

“Possibly the most talked about amendment in popular culture, the Second Amendment grants U.S. citizens the constitutional right to purchase and own firearms. It justifies private gun ownership by stating that a “well-regulated militia” is a necessary part of protecting the fundamental freedoms granted in the First Amendment.  The wording stems from the days of the Revolutionary War, when citizen armies – known as “militias” – were formed to fight the British. Those militia groups were the basis for what would eventually become the organized United States Armed Forces that we know today. Therefore, legal experts say the amendment does not allow for modern-day militant groups — with rules against the formation of such outfits now baked into most state constitutions. Nevertheless, the amendment continues to function today on the weight of the latter part of its text — ‘the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.’ Modern day debates over gun control center around how far that protection should go.”

Amendment III

Read by Nargis Rahman, civic reporter

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

Read by Annelle Scott, WDET intern

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

Read by Cary Junior II, producer of Created Equal

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.

Amendment VI

Read by Karen Brundidge, WDET intern

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 defense.

What Karen said about it:

“It is imperative that we have due process, including the right to counsel, an impartial jury, and so forth. There should be checks on the power of the government and a fair procedure for handling criminal cases in this country. In times where some — especially African Americans or low-income people — have had issues with their rights being violated or have had to contend with inequities in the criminal justice system, adhering to the stated terms of the sixth amendment is crucial to uphold the liberty and future of all people.”

Amendment VII

Read by Amanda LeClaire, reporter and CuriosiD producer

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

Read by Sydney Waelchli, WDET intern

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

What Sydney said about it:

“While the United States criminal justice system still needs a lot of improvements, the Eighth Amendment keeps me hopeful that fair and equal punishments are enacted. To me, the Eighth Amendment brings me peace of mind that individuals who have acted wrongfully or made unlawful mistakes are treated with a degree of respect in the system.”

Amendment IX

Read by Jack Filbrandt, assistant producer of The Metro

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

Amendment X

Read by Bre’Anna Tinsley, reporter

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.

Use the featured media player above to hear the full Preamble and Bill of Rights read together.

Read more:

• The right to vote wasn’t included in the Constitution. Why not?
• The man who lived according to the constitution — literally
• Our immigration system is broken. What does the Constitution say about it? 
• Two new Americans reflect on immigration stories on Constitution Day