U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for December 15

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15: BILL OF RIGHTS

Profile America — Thursday, December 15th.   It was on this date in 1791 that Virginia ratified the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, making them law.  Known as the Bill of Rights, we usually take them pretty much for granted.  But in the heated atmosphere of the 2012 presidential campaigns, they have been very much in the spotlight.  Among other things, these amendments guarantee freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, the right to peaceably assemble, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.  Every day Americans exercise these rights, many by attending the religious services of their choice.  About 228 million Americans identify themselves with a known religion.  Three-quarters say they are Christian.  Another 2.6 million are Jewish, and 1.3 million others are Muslim.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2011, p. 600
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 75

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau