原先為美國憲法的10個修正案，1791年正式通過為單一法律。權利法案是一組保障個人權利、限制聯邦及州政府的法條，最初起於憲法對人民缺乏保障的普遍不滿。一開始國會先提出12條修正案（起草人是麥迪遜James Madison），後來通過10條。第一修正案保障信仰、言論及出版的自由，並認可請願要求救濟以及和平結社的權利。第二修正案保障人民保存和持有武器的自由。第三修正案禁止軍隊於非戰爭時期駐紮在私人住所。第四修正案保護人民不受不合理的調查與逮捕（search and seizure）。第五修正案規定重大違法事件應設大陪審團、禁止一罪兩罰（double jeopardy）、禁止強迫人民在非自願情境下作證。第六修正案確立被告擁有要求快速審判及公平陪審團的權利，並保障其諮詢律師及傳喚有利證人的權利。第七修正案保留人民在重大民事案件中要求陪審團的權利，並禁止在民事案件中一罪兩罰。第八修正案禁止過高的保釋金、禁止殘酷及不合理的懲罰。第九修正案宣告在憲法中表列某些權利，並不表示禁止未表列的其他權利。第十修正案指出州及人民保有任何未委交給全國政府的權利。
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, adopted as a single unit in 1791. They are a collection of guarantees of individual rights and of limitations on federal and state governments, which derived from popular dissatisfaction with the limited guarantees of the Constitution. The first Congress submitted 12 amendments (drafted by James Madison) to the states, 10 of which were ratified. The 1st Amendment guarantees freedom of religion, speech, and the press, and grants the right to petition for redress and to assemble peaceably. The 2nd Amendment guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms. The 3rd prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private dwellings in peacetime. The 4th protects against unreasonable search and seizure. The 5th establishes grand-jury indictment for serious offenses, protects against double jeopardy in criminal cases, and prohibits compelling a person to testify against himself. The 6th establishes the right of the accused to a speedy trial and an impartial jury, and guarantees the right to legal counsel and to the obtaining of witnesses in his favor. The 7th preserves the right to trial by jury in serious civil suits and prohibits double jeopardy in civil cases. The 8th prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment. The 9th states that enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean the abrogation of rights not mentioned. The 10th reserves to the states and people any powers not delegated to the national government.
