The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights
Madison, a member of the United States House of Representatives, presented the nineteen amendments to the constitution in 1789. Later that year, on September 25, Congress adopted twelve of them and referred them to the various States for ratification. The States only ratified ten out of the twelve amendments known as the Bill of Rights and later became part of the U.S constitution in 1791 December 10 (History, 2009). Significantly, the Bill of Rights is crucial to citizens as it guarantees them some form of protection. For instance, the right to bear arms, freedom of religion, speech, right to a public trial, and peaceful assembly. As a result of his contribution from drafting to ratification, Madison was regarded as the “Father of the Constitution.” Since then, there have been many amendments to the constitution. Nonetheless, the State ah only ratified seventeen amendments since the process is tedious. Article XXVII is the most recent amendment that involves pay raises for Congress. Congress proposed the article in 1789, and it later ratified it in 1992.
In conclusion, the constitution is a significant aspect of the United States history. The establishment process was not easy, but it was worthwhile. From gaining independence to creating the Articles of Confederation to the perfect union, the debates, ratification, and finally the Bill of Rights, the nation has come a long way. Since Congress created the constitution over the past few decades, America has expanded across continents. In addition, the country’s economy and population have equally increased beyond what the framers could have imagined. Through the various amendments, the constitution has adapted and endured exceptionally. Even the delegates knew it was not all that perfect. There were major divisions between the North and South about representations in parliament, slavery and economic regulations. Regardless, many of them pushed for its creation because they needed reforms in the government. Thus, the constitution was necessary. Currently, the government has displayed the constitution in Washington, D.C, at the National Archives. Moreover, it has created a special day on September 17 to commemorate the date on which the delegates signed the document, otherwise known as Constitution Day.
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