“The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declatory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution”
The Bill of Rights is the name for the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution. These rights include such things as trial by jury, free speech, freedom to practice (or not practice) religion, freedom from cruel and unusual punishment, freedom to own and use firearms, freedom from arbitrary searches and property seizures by government.
The Constitution was passed in 1787 and the Bill of Rights was added in 1791. The Bill of Rights was absolutely required by the founders. Some states refused to ratify the Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was added. Because Americans had just escaped one tyranny, they were very worried that a strong central government might turn tyrannical. The Bill of Rights was designed to prevent that from happening.
The Bill of Rights is a list of things the government is forbidden to do (for instance, government can’t search your house or possessions without a warrant, force you to give evidence against yourself in a criminal case, or impose a state religion).
The Bill of Rights did not create or grant any rights. It merely protected rights that all human beings are born with and that all human beings are entitled to by their very nature.
Today, December 15 is a day to celebrate the Bill of Rights. Be thankful that our founding fathers thought wisely to write out the Bill of Rights for our protection. May we the people continue wisely, to guard these rights.
