National Archives Challenges the Twitter-verse to Tweet the Bill of Rights
Press Release · Monday, December 6, 2010

Washington, DC

The National Archives is celebrating the 219th anniversary of the Bill of Rights (December 15, 2010) social media-style with a contest to tweet @archivesnews condensing each amendment in the Bill of Rights into a single tweet counting down to the First Amendment using hashtag #BillofRights. On Bill of Rights Day (Dec. 15) the final contest will be to create one tweet summarizing all ten amendments. See the contest schedule and more information below.

The previous day’s winner will be announced at 10 a.m. on the National Archives Facebook and Twitter (@archivesnews) site. Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero will select one winner for each amendment. Each winner will receive a Bill of Rights poster from the National Archives eStore, and the winning tweets may be used in a future Archive store product!

Contest Schedule:

December 6:

Amendment X: 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.

December 7:

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

December 8: (same day, but a separate tweet for each!)

Amendment VIII: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment VII: 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 re-examine in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

December 9: (same day, but a separate tweet for each!)

Amendment VI: 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 defence.

Amendment V: 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 offence 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.

December 10:

Amendment IV: 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.

December 13:

Amendment III: 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.

December 14:

Amendment II: 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.

December 15:

Amendment I: 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.

BONUS: In one tweet, summarize the entire Bill of Rights!

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at (202) 357-5300.

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