The Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights include ten amendments added to the Constitution of the United States. The first Congress of the United States met in New York on September 25, 1789. Growing concerns for the fundamental rights of the individual American had not been satisfied for a group of men during the writing of the Constitution. After much debate, twelve amendments were submitted to Congress and two years later on December 15, 1791, ten amendments became the Bill of Rights.

It's important to point out, the Bill of Rights doesn't really give us the rights we hold dear spelled out in this document. What it actually gives us is a guarantee the government can't violate or meddle with the rights listed in the document.

Our rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights are important to know and understand. We have a right to challenge authorities who try to intimidate or harass us unfairly or illegally. We should insist on gun laws that can protect the innocent citizen without denying our right to own firearms. This right is not only important in protecting our homes and property, it would be a necessity if private citizens were called upon in defense of our country against a future president who took his powers too far, or invasion that left our military out of country or needing our help. An armed militia is for our protection against a government that could become oppressive against we, the people. It does not mean the National Guard which was put in place by the government for their use and control. A militia is made up of armed private citizens who are not under the control of the government. The men who wrote the Bill of Rights were determined the people of the United States would be allowed every opportunity to make sure we would never have to live under tyranny again.

As private citizens in this country, we should never hesitate to cry out in alarm or give any government official validation in violating any of our rights by our silence. Nor should we ever agree it's alright to do so because our government justifies it as being for our protection.

George Mason is considered to be the "Father of the Bill of Rights". He was a staunch believer in individual rights and had left at the signing of the Constitution disappointed and deeply concerned the individual rights written into the Constitution wasn't adequate. He felt with no declaration of rights for the individual citizens, the government could be opened to tyranny of the young nation's people. Having just fought a war to gain freedom from Britain and her oppressive king, Mason spoke out forcefully to add inalienable rights. Rights for the individual that can't be taken away by the government. James Madison eventually agreed with Mason and wrote the ten amendments that became the Bill of Rights.

Amendment 1

Separation of church and state. Our right to free speech and a free press; to peaceful assembly (non violent protest). Our right to petition our government to correct or reform grievances.

Amendment 2

The right to keep and bear arms. The people's right to armed militias as a safety net for our security and that of a free state.

Amendment 3

No one will be forced to house and feed any member of the military without the consent of the owner.

Amendment 4

The right against unreasonable search and seizures in our homes without probable cause. A warrant must be issued describing the person being arrested and property that is taken. The warrant must also say where this person and property is located.

Amendment 5

Our right against self incrimination and double jeopardy. No loss of property for public use without fair payment and no one can be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process.

Amendment 6

The right to a public and speedy trial in the presence of impartial peers. Right to counsel and the ability to confront all accusers.

Amendment 7

Someone accused in a civil case where any award is over twenty dollars, that person has a right to a jury trial. No facts brought up by the trial can be used again unless common law says so.

Amendment 8

No court can impose excessive bail, increase any fines that were imposed or deal out cruel and unusual punishments.

Amendment 9

This amendment says other rights not listed may exist. Just because these rights aren't listed, it doesn't mean they can't be violated.

Amendment 10

Power not granted to the federal government belongs to the states or the people.

These ten amendments are rights given to us by our founding fathers in an effort to make sure the people of this nation would never again live under the rule of a king. In partnership with the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights, which now contain 27 amendments, has truly created a government of the people, by the people and for the people. It is our responsibility to know and understand what our rights are and defend them with our lives if necessary. After all, those who fought and died to free a people from tyranny did so to create and preserve our freedom today. It's the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights that make America the proud country we call our homeland. Two documents that were written to put government in the hands of the people, not the politicians. Both give the power ultimately to the people and define limits on the three branches of government. It's our responsibility to keep government in line. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights give us that power.

Bill of Rights, The Charters of Freedom

The New United States Adopted the Bill of Rights December 15, 1791, America's Library

The Bill of Rights, The Bill of Rights website

The Right To Keep and Bear Arms, constitution.org