Summary Of The Bill Of Rights
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During the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress drafted and wrote the famous Articles of Confederation in 1777. By March 1781, all thirteen states ratified the Articles.
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According to the Articles, the National Government had very little or no power while the State Governments had a free hand at everything. This crippled the country’s economy and financial state of affairs. In order to bring in some form of law and order to the country and revive its prospects of becoming a global leader, twelve out of thirteen states sent their delegates to Philadelphia proposing a change in Articles. This led to the formation of the Constitution that is followed until date.
While five states immediately agreed and ratified the newly laid Constitution, the others were very apprehensive and feared that the Central Government was very strongly empowered and might propose unjust laws that would seriously diminish their freedom. These fears were put to rest when the states were informed that there would be a Bill of Rights that would allow for amendments in the Constitution giving everyone a fair say in the affair. The Constitution was finally ratified in 1778, and the first 10 amendments were laid in the year 1791. This was called the Bill Of Rights.
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Freedom of press
Right to come together and make petition to the government
Right to have arms
Eradication of forceful quartering of troops
Safeguard citizens from unreasonable search of their papers, property, etc.
Prohibition of double jeopardy or self-incrimination
Right to speedy trail
Rights to jury in law suits
Prohibition of bail and/or caporal punishment
Protection of non-enumerated rights
Reservation of state and people powers
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The Bill of Rights was drafted and formulated to amend a few irregularities and shortcomings present in the U.S. Constitution. Generally, the first 10 amendments made in the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. As the name suggests, these were meant to safeguard and guarantee the rights and liberty of the American citizens.