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Bill of Rights
U.S. Constitution
Antipathy toward a strong central government was only one concern among those opposed to the Constitution. Of equal concern to many was the fear that the Constitution did not sufficiently protect individual rights and freedoms.
Virginian George Mason, author of Virginia's 1776 Declaration of Rights, was one of three delegates to the Constitutional Convention who refused to sign the final document because it did not enumerate individual rights. Together with Patrick Henry, he campaigned vigorously against ratification of the Constitution in Virginia. Indeed, five states, including Massachusetts, ratified the Constitution on the condition that such amendments be added immediately.
When the first Congress convened in New York City in September 1789, the calls for amendments protecting individual rights were virtually unanimous. Congress quickly adopted 12 such amendments; by December 1791, enough states had ratified 10 amendments to make them part of the Constitution. James Madison led the debate in the House of Representatives. Collectively, they are known as the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights comprises the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Among their provisions:
the freedoms of speech, press, religion, and the right to assemble peacefully, protest and demand changes (First Amendment)
the right to bear arms (Second Amendment)
the protection against unreasonable searches, seizures of property and arrest (Fourth Amendment)
due process of law in all criminal cases (Fifth Amendment)
the right to a fair and speedy trial (Sixth Amendment)
the protection against cruel and unusual punishment (Eighth Amendment)
the provision that the people retain additional rights not listed in the Constitution (Ninth Amendment).
The Bill of Rights is a series of Amendments to the Constitution and, therefore, is not subject to repeal by Congressional action.
Since the adoption of the Bill of Rights, only 16 more amendments have been added to the Constitution. Although a number of subsequent amendments revised the federal government's structure and operations, most followed the precedent established by the Bill of Rights.
Off-site search results for "Bill of Rights"...
Bill Of Rights The term is also applied to the English Bill of Rights of 1689 and the Canadian Bill of Rights of 1960, and to similar guarantees in the constitutions of the American states. The first American use of the term was in 1774 whenBill of Rights of 1689 and the Canadian Bill of Rights of 1960, and to similar guarantees in the constitutions of the American states. The first American use of the term was in 1774 whenBill of Rights of 1960, and to similar guarantees in the constitutions of the American states. The first American use of the term was in 1774 when the First ... http://www.americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/BILLOFRI.HTM
The Bill of Rights These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights." Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging tBill of Rights." Amendment I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom ... http://www.foundingfathers.info/documents/billrights.html
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