Bell Ringer Answer these Questions: 1. What are the 6 goals stated in the Preamble to the Constitution? 2. Which branch is responsible for carrying out the laws? 3. What does popular sovereignty mean? 4. In what 3 ways is the power of the government limited? Write the steps for creating a law.

Chapter 27 The Bill of Rights Section 1: Adding the Bill of Rights

Adding the Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights, a list of citizen rights, was added to the constitution to protect Americans' individual rights and freedoms. This was the first change in the constitution. The amendment process, or the way in which changes are added to the constitution, was used for the first time.

The Amendment Process First an amendment is approved at the national level and proposed to the states. Then the states either ratify it or reject it. There are two ways to propose an amendment to the states. Congress propose an amendment if it has been approved by a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A national convention or assembly, may propose amendments. There are two ways for the states to ratify an amendment. Approval by three fourths of the nations state legislators. Approval by special convention in three fourths of the states.

Quick Write Why is having a formal amendment process important? It is important to have set rules in place so everyone will know the correct process to amend the Constitution.

The Debate in Congress James Madison spoke to members of the House in June 1789. He declared that many Americans believed that the Constitution did not adequately protect their rights. Madison argued for a bill of rights in order to earn the peoples trust and lay a solid foundation for the new republic. The congress, however, was impatient to begin passing laws- with urging from Madison the congress decided to create a bill of rights.

Preparing the Bill of Rights The congress began to create individual rights. These statements included the Magna Carta. The English Bill of Rights, colonial charters, and state constitutions There began to be a debate over where to put the Bill of Rights. Madison wanted the rights within the constitution to link them to limits already placed on the government. A majority of members of Congress voted to attach the list the end of the document. They did not want to give the Bill of Rights the same importance as the original constitution.

The Proposal and Ratification A committee of congressmen wrote a final version of 12 amendments, including 10 that protected citizen rights. Congress approved the amendments and proposed them to the states in September of 1789. Only two proposals failed. December 15, 1792, the states had ratified ten amendments protecting citizen rights.