Preserve the rights of all Americans with this hardback gift edition of the Bill of Rights, elegantly stamped in celebration of America 250 and proudly made in the USA. Collectively known as the United States Bill of Rights, these first ten amendments to the United States Constitution limit the powers of the federal government and protect the rights of all citizens, residents and visitors on United States territory. Introduced in 1789 in the First United States Congress by James Madison, these amendments came into effect on December 15, 1791, when ratified by three-fourths of the states. This document plays a central role in American law and remains to this day a symbol of the freedoms and culture of the nation. In this beautiful gift edition, the text of the Bill of Rights is presented alongside a history of the amendments.  The America250(TM)¿ word mark and logo are trademarks owned by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and any use of such marks by Applewood Books is under license.