Bill of Rights Amendments

Bill of Rights and Amendments

Created by the founding fathers, the Constitution is the supreme law of the United States; it was established as the structural basis for the operation of the U.S. government. This document was written to protect one’s individual freedoms by imposing law onto those who retain political power. During the time the Constitution was being created, the Bill of Rights, or the first 10 amendments, were added by the Framers. Through a specific and rigid process, the Constitution is able to be amended.

How and why do amendments become part of the Constitution?

Amendments to the Constitution require immense support from the states; therefore, it is rarely amended. For the last 200 years, a mere 17 amendments to the Constitution have been passed, and of those 17 amendments only one has been within the last 30 years. To amend the Constitution of the United States is a tough and complex process. Such amendments must be approved one of two ways: two-thirds of both houses of Congress; the House of Representatives and the Senate, must approve the amendment, or a constitutional convention must be called for by two-thirds of the states. In addition, at least three-fourths, or 38 states, must ratify the proposed amendment (The electoral college, 2005).

Adoption of the Bill of Rights.

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. These rights protect the liberties of not only individuals, but the states. Due to the British violation of civil rights during the Revolution, the Anti-Federalists feared a strong, centralized government would ultimately result in tyranny. While the Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, they demanded a “bill of rights” to be added to the document as a means to ensure their individual rights and liberties as citizens be preserved. (Constitutional amendments, 2006).

Effects of the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights is the principal protector of American liberties. You might talk about...