Ratified on September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution has long been heralded as a national treasure. After gaining independence, it represented the radical ideas allowing citizens the rights they were previously denied under British rule. However, as history progressed and the diversity of the United States expanded, the Constitution required adjustments. In total, twenty-seven amendments would be added to truly ensure civil rights to all. Of all the Amendments, the Bill of Rights symbolizes the greatest personal freedoms afforded to the American people. Originally numbered at twelve in 1789, the list was finalized at ten in 1791 and follows Article VII of the Constitution. The Amendments were written by James Madison to satisfy
…show more content…
The Federalists and anti-Federalists disagreed on having these rights strictly defined. Federalists argued that the Bill of Rights was essentially unnecessary since the Constitution already stated that the liberty of decisions not directly outlined in the Constitution would be left to the states to decide. Government officials would have the final say of whether or not certain laws should be implemented in their respective states. Nonetheless, Madison proceeded to present them, and Virginia was the last state to ratify them, only four years after they were initially proposed. The Bill of Rights were widely favored, and still are today, because they reign in the holds the government has on its people, following the original desire of a central government that didn’t have ultimate power. A majority of the first ten amendments address earlier colonial concerns. These encompass freedom of speech, including religion and speaking against the government, the right to bear arms, no citizen being forced to house a soldier, and no search or seizure without a legitimate …show more content…
For example, the voting age was raised to 18 as a result of drafted American soldiers being forced to fight for a country they couldn’t vote in during World War II. Americans have a unique advantage in being the deciding factor in laws that ensure equality, and acknowledge their common needs. The idea of an adaptable Constitution truly is revolutionary.
Aside from their separation in terms of grouping, there is one other major difference between the Bill of Rights and the other Amendments. Amendments 11-27 are subject to change as the needs arise. As noted, they have been added to accommodate groups and the civil rights they were formerly denied. The Bill of Rights, however are seen as more permanent laws that must be appealed, approved, and then be unanimously voted on to change them.
In society, there have been many disputes, debates, and controversies involving the Bill of Rights especially. The Supreme Court has not even decided whether or not they should be applied to all avenues of American government. Two of the most controversial Amendments are the 1st, granting freedom of speech, and the 2nd, allowing the right to bear arms. With recent gun violence at the forefront of politics and the media, stricter gun laws, along with repealing the Amendment have been
The Federalists and anti-Federalists disagreed on having these rights strictly defined. Federalists argued that the Bill of Rights was essentially unnecessary since the Constitution already stated that the liberty of decisions not directly outlined in the Constitution would be left to the states to decide. Government officials would have the final say of whether or not certain laws should be implemented in their respective states. Nonetheless, Madison proceeded to present them, and Virginia was the last state to ratify them, only four years after they were initially proposed. The Bill of Rights were widely favored, and still are today, because they reign in the holds the government has on its people, following the original desire of a central government that didn’t have ultimate power. A majority of the first ten amendments address earlier colonial concerns. These encompass freedom of speech, including religion and speaking against the government, the right to bear arms, no citizen being forced to house a soldier, and no search or seizure without a legitimate …show more content…
For example, the voting age was raised to 18 as a result of drafted American soldiers being forced to fight for a country they couldn’t vote in during World War II. Americans have a unique advantage in being the deciding factor in laws that ensure equality, and acknowledge their common needs. The idea of an adaptable Constitution truly is revolutionary.
Aside from their separation in terms of grouping, there is one other major difference between the Bill of Rights and the other Amendments. Amendments 11-27 are subject to change as the needs arise. As noted, they have been added to accommodate groups and the civil rights they were formerly denied. The Bill of Rights, however are seen as more permanent laws that must be appealed, approved, and then be unanimously voted on to change them.
In society, there have been many disputes, debates, and controversies involving the Bill of Rights especially. The Supreme Court has not even decided whether or not they should be applied to all avenues of American government. Two of the most controversial Amendments are the 1st, granting freedom of speech, and the 2nd, allowing the right to bear arms. With recent gun violence at the forefront of politics and the media, stricter gun laws, along with repealing the Amendment have been