The Bill of Rights and Good Citizenship

Just because the majority of the members of the Constitutional Convention had signed the document didn’t mean it automatically became the law. At least 9 out of the 13 original states had to RATIFY or approve it.

Many people in the states broke into two groups: FEDERALISTS ANTI- FEDERALISTS

Federalists Favored a strong national government. Thought the Constitution would protect the basic rights of people. Were led by men such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.

Anti-Federalists Feared the Constitution would make the national government (Congress and the President) too strong, and would weaken state governments. Were concerned that there was not a Bill of Rights. Led by men such as George Mason, Edmund Randolph, and Elbridge Gerry.

A tense battle developed in some states between the two sides. Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and John Jay wrote a series of 85 essays called “The Federalist Papers” to support the Constitution.

One by one the states debated the Constitution and began to ratify it. By June of 1788, 9 out of the 13 states had ratified the Constitution, so it could now become the law of the land. However, two large states, Virginia and New York, had not yet approved it. Fortunately, they eventually did, and the country was more unified.

Ratification of the Constitution StateForAgainstDate Delaware30012/7/1787 Pennsylvania462312/12/1787 New Jersey38012/18/1787 Georgia2601/2/1788 Connecticut128401/9/1788 Massachusetts /6/1788 Maryland63114/28/1788 South Carolina149735/23/1788 New Hampshire57476/21/1788 Virginia89796/25/1788 New York30277/26/1788 North Carolina /21/1789 Rhode Island34325/29/1790

The Nation Celebrated! The first election was held, with George Washington winning all the electoral votes. Congress had 59 Representatives and 22 Senators (North Carolina and Rhode Island had yet to ratify.) New York City served as the capital under the new Constitution.

The Bill of Rights Some states had been hesitant to accept the Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was included. A BILL OF RIGHTS is a document that lists freedoms the government must protect. The creators of the Constitution created the AMENDMENT process in case changes ever needed to be made.

The Amendment Process Either 2/3 of both houses of Congress propose the amendment, or 2/3 of states can have special conventions. Then, 3/4 of the states must approve the amendment. In over 200 years, there have only been 27 amendments. Of those, the first 10 were passed shortly after the Constitution was ratified.

The second method has never been used.

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. They were created to ensure basic freedoms, and to make sure the government treated citizens fairly. They were ratified on December 15, 1791

Click Here to Check out the Bill of Rights from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia…

Amendment #1 The 5 Freedoms 1. Religion 2. Speech 3. The Press 4. To Assemble 5. To Petition

Amendment #2 The Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Amendment #3 Lodging Troops in Private Homes

Amendment #4 Protection Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures

Amendment #5 Rights of the Accused

Amendment #6 The Right to a Speedy and Public Trial for Criminal Offenses

Amendment #7 The Right to a Jury Trial in Civil Cases Involving More Than $20

Amendment #8 Excessive Bail and Punishments

Amendment #9 Protection of Other Rights Not Mentioned in the Constitution

Amendment #10 Powers Left to the States or to the People

Other Amendments #11 – Judicial power of the U. S. is not to extend to suits against a state. (2/7/1795) #12 – Current mode of electing the President/Vice President through the use of “electors”. (7/27/1804) #13 – The prohibition of slavery. (12/6/1865) #14 – Citizenship is defined, and privileges of being a citizen. (7/9/1868) #15 – Voting rights of citizens. (2/3/1870)

Other Amendments #16 – Congress is given permission to tax personal income. (2/3/1913) #17 – Election of senators, filling of vacancies, qualifications of electors. (4/8/1913) #18 – Manufacture, sale, or transportation of liquor is prohibited. (1/16/1920) #19 – The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied on account of sex. (8/18/1920)

Other Amendments #20 – Terms of president, vice president, senators, and representatives. (1/23/1933) #21 – Repeal or cancellation of the 18 th Amendment. (12/5/1933) #22 – Limit to the number of terms a president may serve. (2/27/1951) #23 – Electoral votes given to the District of Columbia. (3/29/1961)

Other Amendments #24 – Payment of poll taxes or any other taxes in order to vote is abolished. (1/23/1964) #25 – Succession of vice president to the presidency in case of death, removal from office, or resignation. (2/10/1967) #26 – Voting age changed to 18. (7/1/1971) #27 – Congressional pay raises shall not take effect until elections have been held for the next Congress. (5/7/1992)

Never Take Your Citizenship For Granted. Some people wait a lifetime to become an American!

There are 5 steps that can lead you to be more than just a citizen. Strive to be a Model Citizen!!!

Regular Citizen Know Your Rights Be Responsible Stay Informed Make Good Decisions Participate In Your Community Model Citizen

Step #1 – Know Your Rights Freedom of Religion Freedom of Speech Freedom of the Press Freedom of Assembly Freedom of Petition The Right to Vote 1789-White male property owners over age 21 By 1850s-All white males over age Black males 1920-Females 1961-Residents of D. C Citizens over age 18 First Amendment Liberties

Step #2 – Be Responsible Under 18: *Get an Education *Take Responsibility for Your Own Actions *Help Your Family All Ages: *Obey rules and laws *Be tolerant of others *Pay taxes *Volunteer for causes *Stay informed Over 18: *Vote *Serve on a jury *Serve in the military to defend the country

Step #3 – Stay Informed Know the issues by taking time to study current events. Learn who candidates are in elections. Never be afraid to ask questions!!!

Step #4 – Make Good Decisions Identify the Problem Gather Information Analyze the Information Consider Options Choose a Solution Implement the Solution Evaluate the Solution

Step #5 – Participate in Your Community If you see a cause you believe in, get out there and support it! Individuals CAN and DO make a difference!!!