The Constitution of the United States: Background material for the original, esp. the Bill of Rights?

What is the background of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights derives from the Magna Carta (1215), the English Bill of Rights (1689), the colonial struggle against king and Parliament, and a gradually broadening concept of equality among the American people. Virginia’s 1776 Declaration of Rights, drafted chiefly by George Mason, was a notable forerunner.

What is the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution?

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. It spells out Americans’ rights in relation to their government. It guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual—like freedom of speech, press, and religion.

What are the 4 main points of the Bill of Rights?

Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. Right to due process of law, freedom from self-incrimination, double jeopardy. Rights of accused persons, e.g., right to a speedy and public trial. Right of trial by jury in civil cases.

What did the original Bill of Rights apply to?

the federal government

Bill of Rights initially only applied to the federal government but has been incorporated. Despite their ratification as formal amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the amendments of the Bill of Rights were initially applied only to the powers of the federal government and not those of the states.

Why was the Bill of Rights not included in the original Constitution?

The Federalists opposed including a bill of rights on the ground that it was unnecessary. The Anti-Federalists, who were afraid of a strong centralized government, refused to support the Constitution without one.

What are 3 facts about the Bill of Rights?

Bill of Rights Facts and Figures

  • There were originally 12 amendments to the Constitution, but the first 2 were never ratified.
  • The structure and content of the Bill of Rights was influenced by the Virginia Declaration of Rights drafted in 1776 by George Mason.
  • The Bill of Rights Day is celebrated on December 15.

What is the meaning of Bill of Rights?

noun phrase



variants or Bill of Rights. : a document containing a formal statement of rights. a patients’ bill of rights. specifically : a summary of fundamental rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violation by the state. used especially of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Why is the Bill of Rights important?

The Bill of Rights is important not only in the freedoms it protects but in its demonstration of America’s enduring commitment to self-improvement and striving to continuously form a “more perfect union.” Since 1791, 17 additional Amendments have been ratified for a total of 27 Amendments to the Constitution.



What is the difference between the Bill of Rights and the Constitution?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights talks about individual rights. Over the years, more amendments were added. Now, the Constitution has 27 amendments.

What is the Bill of Rights and why was it adopted?

Although 12 amendments were originally proposed, the 10 that were ratified became the Bill of Rights in 1791. They defined citizens’ rights in relation to the newly established government under the Constitution.

Why was the English Bill of Rights created?

Bill of Rights Page 2



It is an original Act of the English Parliament and has been in the custody of Parliament since its creation. The Bill firmly established the principles of frequent parliaments, free elections and freedom of speech within Parliament – known today as Parliamentary Privilege.

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