While the Declaration of Independence included the phrase “all men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” it only specifically named the right
to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The debate about rights became contentious during the Constitutional Convention with some delegates walking out and others threatening to withdraw. Objections quieted when the framers promised
to add a Bill of Rights. Thomas Jefferson, writer of the Declaration of Independence and fellow Virginian George Mason were adamant supporters of rights for citizens and the necessity of their inclusion in the Constitution. James Madison who wrote the document worried that specific named rights might weaken the government and place unnecessary limits on governance. Mason threatened to withhold his signature and Jefferson wrote Madison in 1787
“A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against any government on earth, general or particular, and what no government should refuse, or rest on inference.” Arguments in favor of a bill of rights continued with anti-federalists demanding them and it became the largest issue when Madison ran to represent Virginia in
Congress in 1788. Finally, Madison agreed and composed a Bill of Rights that would not change the government but secure and guarantee 10 rights. He carefully
limited the power of the Federal Government and ensured that the Constitution did not limit the rights of states by modeling them on Virginia’s Declaration of Rights, written by Mason, as well as other documents. Madison introduced the Bill of Rights in Congress on June 8, 1789, and it was ratified on December 15, 1791.
Since then, there have been more than 20 additional amendments but the first 10 are probably the most well known and most debated.
In 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the following.
Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate December 15, 1941, as Bill of Rights Day. And I call upon the officials of the Government, and upon the people of the United States, to observe the day by displaying the flag of the United States on public buildings and
by meeting together for such prayers and such ceremonies as may seem to them
appropriate.”
You can read them below.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the
right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a
redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of
the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of
the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects,
against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants
shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be
seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a
witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due
process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and
public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall
have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law,
and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have a compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty
dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall
be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, then according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
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