The Bill of Rights
The Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.–Preamble to the Bill of Rights
The Constitution might never have been ratified if the framers hadn’t promised to add a Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments to the Constitution gave citizens more confidence in the new government and contain many of today’s Americans most valued freedoms.Â
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About the Bill of Rights
What Does it Say?
The meaning of the document
How Did it Happen?
The history of the document
How Was it Made?
The creation of the parchment document
Where can I learn about the Bill of Rights?
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The Bill of Rights Transcript