The Importance Of The 12 Amendments In The US Constitution

Words: 761
Pages: 4
Open Document
In 1789, the U.S. Constitution was finally adopted by all 13 states. However, the document did not state anything pertaining to the religious freedoms of all citizens. Many colonies at the time believed that the Constitution needed an addition, laying out rights for the citizens and limitations for the government. In 1791 the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. It contains 12 Amendments, the first of which specifically addressed citizens’ right to exercise their own religion. (Davis, 21)
Around the time that the Articles of Confederation were passed in 1781, each state began forming their own state constitutions. The Articles of Confederation stated in Article 2 that “Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and …show more content…
Antifederalists were afraid that this new government would claim a substantial amount of power and America would be forced to relive the revolution they had just ended. They called for a Bill of Rights to be added, clearly outlining the role of the government and the power the citizens held. Of the 12 Amendments within the Bill of Rights, only the first pertains to religion. It states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of …show more content…
Most laws would be decided through their individual state constitutions. This was very important to a great deal of Americans. They didn’t want an overbearing government who would make their choices for them, just like Great Britain had. Early Americans were fixated on the idea of the freedom to make one’s own choices. Antifederalists, a political grouping at the time, didn’t even want a constitution to be drafted, for fear of a powerful government being created and eventually misusing their power. Furthermore, once the Constitution was ratified, many demanded that citizens be guaranteed their rights. Of course, they had much more in mind than merely just freedom of religion. However, the mistreatment of the colonies by Britain had a direct impact upon America’s legislation regarding freedom of religion. Without their fear of corrupt government, thinkers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison would have never had the drive to push their ideas for the separation of church and
Show More

Related Documents: The Importance Of The 12 Amendments In The US Constitution

2nd Amendment Essay

Importance of the Second Amendment The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution stands to be one of the most important Amendments ever created. The Second Amendment protects the rights of the people of the United States to keep and bear arms without infringement (Second Amendment). This right was described by Sir William Blackstone as an auxiliary right, supporting the natural rights of self-defense, resistance to oppression, and the civic duty to act in concert in defense of the state…

Words 813 - Pages 4

history 3071 test 2 Essay

antebellum LA slave law, what age must an enslaved child reach before he or she could legally be sold away from his or her mother? 10 6. What LA constitution contained mechanisms to insure widespread disfranchisement of African American voters? The constitution of 1898 7. According to your textbook which agricultural staple crop took on new economic importance in late nineteenth century LA? Rice 8. The largest single instance of violence during reconstruction in the United States took place at Colfax…

Words 1153 - Pages 5

Rehtorical Analysis Essay

the United States, George W. Bush does it we don’t think it’s as cute. In the president’s remarks to New York Times about constitutional amendment on marriage, he’s essentially playing game and making up rules as he goes. Through out Bush’s speech he argues that we should make a constitutional amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman. This amendment effects the American people because many cultures and religions in the united states allow polygamy, and by limiting marriage to only one…

Words 762 - Pages 4

Constitutional Rights Essay

12. 5th Due Process of Law 13. 5th Eminent Domain 14. 6th Right to a Speedy Public Trial 15. 6th Trial by impartial jury where crime was committed 16. 6th Accused must be informed of the nature of the crime 17. 6th Accused must be confronted by witness in court 18. 6th Accused has a right to a lawyer 19. 7th Right to a trial by Jury 20. 8th Bail must be fair 21. 8th No cruel and unusual punishment 22. 9th All powers not stated in the constitution are…

Words 9322 - Pages 38

History Quiz

Jefferson Secretaries heads of departments * In the constitution, it allowed for the President to appoint heads of executive departments * Congress- inaugurated for the first time * Washington and Adams were federalists Congress meets in NYC- 1789 * Takes two years * Begin drafting Bill of Rights * 12 amendments- 10 were approved * Designed to protect the people from the federal government (not states) Amendment One * Five Freedoms * Religion *…

Words 1892 - Pages 8

Essay about ap gov justifications

likely vote for a republican leader. 4. The constitution doesn't expressly prohibit sex discrimination in employment but in 14th Amendment, the congress doesn't mention the equal protection clause which states that no person shall be taken away from the constitution given rights therefore laws must apply to everyone equally. Slavery is expressly prohibited in the 5th Amendment, cruel and unusual punishment is also expressly prohibited in the 8th amendment and unreasonable search and seizure is expressly…

Words 1658 - Pages 7

Racial Bias In The Criminal Justice System

steps foot onto a school bus to receive an education, and that is what not only the people that surround us, but the people in America and the people in the criminal justice system are victims of by the men and women who swore to protect and carry out the equal human rights of all. Racial bias does not just occur solely within the court system. It occurs from…

Words 942 - Pages 4

Essay on i have no idea

Questions & Answers Pertaining to the Constitution by Sol Bloom Q. How were deputies to the Constitutional Convention chosen? A. They were appointed by the legislatures of the different States. Q. Were there any restrictions as to the number of deputies a State might send? A. No. Q. Which State did not send deputies to the Constitutional Convention? A. Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Q. Were the other twelve States represented throughout the Constitutional Convention?…

Words 7493 - Pages 30

Sedition Dbq

Bank of the US, which was very unpopular in the South and West. Two main questions arose in the court case: Could Congress charter a bank? and if so, Could individual states ban it or tax it? 14. Monroe Doctrine: With the help of John Quincy Adams, James Monroe announces a policy called the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. He proposed that the US should consider any foreign challenge to American sovereignty as a threat. He also feared that France would side with Spain and turn against the US. Adams believed…

Words 1680 - Pages 7

Essay on reading guide 16

origin, religion, gender and sexual orientation 4. What is the importance of citizenship rights, particularly concerning immigration and the war on terror? Everyone born in the United States gains citizenship. Regarding immigration one can have dual citizenship as parents may be from the US and the child born elsewhere or vice versa. To become a citizen one must live in the US for a certain amount of time and take a test which most US citizens can’t even pass themselves. During times of war rights…

Words 1763 - Pages 8