Bill of Rights added to Constitution to limit government power
In keeping with the 1998 Constitution Day statute (36 US Code $106), presidents since then have made proclamations on or near September 17. These proclamations include statements encouraging federal, state, and local officials to engage in civics programs to commemorate the signing of the Constitution.
These messages are being sent to encourage educational activities initiated not only by governing officials, but by church leaders, educators and other citizens as well. This one focuses on The Pledge of Allegiance and the Bill of Rights. Included in this email from Advocates for Vermont is a “WE the People” handbill you can print and distribute.
Today is Constitution Day – but the whole week is Constitution week and the whole season before elections should remind us all these foundations are preciously laid and paid for with blood, sweat and tears.
Who Wrote the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. James Madison wrote the amendments as a solution to limit government power and protect individual liberties through the Constitution. For example, the Founders saw the ability to speak and worship freely as a natural right protected by the First Amendment. Congress is prohibited from making laws establishing religion or abridging freedom of speech. The Fourth Amendment safeguards citizens’ right to be free from unreasonable government intrusion in their homes through the requirement of a warrant.
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution because the Constitution lacked limits on government power. Federalists advocated for a strong national government. They believed the people and states automatically kept any powers not given to the federal government. Anti-Federalists wanted power to remain with state and local governments and favored a bill of rights to safeguard individual liberty.
Madison, then a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, altered the Constitution’s text where he thought appropriate. However, several representatives, led by Roger Sherman, objected, saying that Congress had no authority to change the wording of the Constitution. Therefore, Madison’s changes were presented as a list of amendments that would follow Article VII.
When was the Bill of Rights Ratified?
The House approved 17 amendments. Of these, the Senate approved 12, which were sent to the states for approval in August 1789. Ten amendments were approved (or ratified). Virginia’s legislature was the final state legislature to ratify the amendments, approving them on December 15, 1791.