In 1787, delegates from twelve of the thirteen states gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to write the United States Constitution. The document established a more powerful federal government, which was favorable to Federalists. However, Anti-Federalists feared that the Constitution did not properly protect individual freedoms.
Recognizing that the ratification of the Constitution was in jeopardy because of these concerns, James Madison drafted the Bill of Rights. These amendments protect the freedoms of speech and religion, allow the people to bear arms, prevent the government from quartering troops in private homes, and more.
By 1791, ten of the twelve proposed amendments had been ratified by enough states to officially become a part of the Constitution. The other two – dealing with each state’s number of representatives and the compensation of members of Congress – were rejected. The latter of the two, however, was ratified over 200 years later through the 27th Amendment.
We encourage every American to understand and appreciate the rights afforded to them by our Constitution in order to become a more engaged, knowledgable participant in our democracy. Utilize Civicly’s free learning resources to further explore the Bill of Rights and other aspects of our Constitution.
Happy Learning!
The Civicly Team
