The Bill of Rights - 1791

The delegates at Independence Hall had provided a well thought-out, and to many, an exceptional charter for the new nation. However, the document still needed to be ratified by 9 of the 13 states in order to become law.

What arose was a disagreement between two groups: the federalists and the anti-federalists. The federalists were in favor of a strong central government; they wanted the constitution to be ratified. The anti-federalists were afraid that a strong central government and the newly drawn up constitution would be a threat to the liberties that the colonials had fought so hard to obtain.

It was decided that a bill of rights must be developed to insure the liberty of the American citizens. The anti-federalists wanted to be sure that the average person would be protected from the central government. Keep in mind how often the strong British government had infringed on the rights of the colonials. No one wanted to go back to that situation.

Therefore, in 1791 James Madison introduced the original 10 amendments to the Constitution. The original 10 are referred to as The Bill of Rights. Here is an abbreviated listing of the first 10 amendments:

1. Freedom of speech
2. The right to bear arms
3. Prohibits forced quartering of troops
4. Prohibits unreasonable search and seizure
5. Due process of law
6. Trial by jury in criminal cases
7. Trial by jury in civil cases
8. Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment
9. Protection of rights not specified in the Bill of Rights
10. Protects the power of the states to rights not delegated to the federal government

All students and citizens should take the time to read the Bill of Rights in its entirety.