Bill of Rights Day
When : Always December 15
Today is Bill of Rights Day. To Americans, the Bill of
Rights are key amendments to the U.S. Constitution, that protect our individual
rights.
On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America was
ratified by the (former)13 colonies, and went into effect. States and
individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and
protect a number of rights of individuals. The Constitution was signed by the
original 13 states with the requirement, or understanding, that a Bill of Rights
would be created, amending the new U.S. Constitution.
On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed to
the state legislatures 12 amendments to the Constitution. 10 of these amendments
were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791.
The Bill of Rights includes these Amendments:
Amendment 1- Freedom of speech, press and religion
Amendment 2 - The right to bear arms
Amendment 3- Protection of homeowners from quartering troops, except during
war.
Amendment 4 - Rights and protections against unreasonable search and seizure
Amendment 5 - Rights of due process of law, protection against double
jeopardy, self incrimination
Amendment 6 - Rights of a speedy trial by jury of peers and rights of accused
Amendment 7 - Rights to trial by jury in civil cases
Amendment 8 - Protection from cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail
Amendment 9 - Protection of rights not specified in the Bill of Rights
Amendment 10 - States rights, power of the states
Of the 12 original amendments, which ones were not approved? The original
Amendments # 1 and #2 did not pass These dealt with the number of
representative to congress, and compensation to representatives. Had they
passed, there would be over 6,000 congressmen today!!!
On Bill of Rights Day, we hope you celebrate you American Citizenship,
and spend a few minutes reflecting upon the freedoms that you enjoy. These
freedoms do not exist in many countries of the world.
Spend a day not thinking about Christmas but about having the ability to enjoy CHristmas or whatever holiday you want.
Spend a day not thinking about Christmas but about having the ability to enjoy CHristmas or whatever holiday you want.
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