The Bill of Rights, unframed document

Once the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, it was sent to the states for ratification.  A debate followed as to the need for a bill of rights.  Some argued for and some against a declaration of the people's rights.  The debate ended with an understanding that after the Constitution was ratified, "that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added".  The States submitted 189 suggested amendments and Congress boiled these down to 12 which were submitted to the States for ratification.  The States ratified 10 of the 12 amendments which are now known as The Bill of Rights.