The United States Congress put forth twelve amendments to the Constitution, reflecting the necessity of incorporating civil liberties into the framework of the new government established under the Constitution ratified in 1788. The proposals were motivated by demands from various factions, including the Anti-Federalists, who believed that a bill of rights was essential to protect individual freedoms from a potentially tyrannical federal government. The deliberations were carried out in the First Congress, held in New York City, which at the time served as the capital of the United States.

Among the twelve amendments proposed, ten were ultimately ratified by the states and became known as the Bill of Rights. These rights included fundamental freedoms such as speech, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to a fair trial, and prohibitions on cruel and unusual punishment. The other two amendments, the Congressional Apportionment Amendment and the Congressional Compensation Amendment, addressed the manner in which representatives would be divided among the states and the salaries of Congress members, respectively. However, while the salary amendment would eventually be ratified in 1992, the apportionment amendment remains unratified and is not part of the Constitution.

The introduction of the Bill of Rights marked a pivotal moment in American history, encapsulating the principles of democracy, individual autonomy, and the rule of law. Its passage showcased the balancing act between empowering a federal government and protecting citizens from its potential abuses. The Bill of Rights has become a cornerstone of American democracy, influencing civil rights movements and legal interpretations across the centuries. Through the efforts of Congress, crucial liberties were etched into the Constitution, providing a durable framework to safeguard American freedoms.