Bill of Rights, the rights of Americans 4-4.3

The United States Constitution placed an importance on the active involvement of citizens in government and protected the rights of white male property owners but not those of the slaves, women, and Native Americans.

The greatest debate undertaken by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 centered on how many representatives each state should have in the new government's lawmaking branch, the U.S. Congress.

As is often the case in government and politics, resolving a great debate, required a Great Compromise.

When the Great Compromise determined that representation in the House of Representatives was to be based on population, the sectional debate centered upon the counting of slaves for the purposes of representation (as persons) and taxation (as property).

The resultant Three-Fifths Compromise called for slaves to be counted as 3/5 of a person for both purposes.

The Constitution also included the provisions that the international slave trade would not cease for two decades [until 1808]

It also said that the federal government was to assist in the return of runaway slaves (or “fugitive laborers”) throughout the country.

While Northern states gradually emancipated their slaves, African Americans were still discriminated against in Northern states.

Often they were the last hired and the first fired.

They were denied access to some schools and lived in segregated African American communities.

In the South, although some slave owners liberated their slaves voluntarily, many southern states prohibited emancipation and slavery became more and more entrenched.

It was only after the Civil War, emancipation, and the civil rights movement of the 20th century that African Americans could enjoy the equal rights promised in the Declaration Independence.

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments that were added to the Constitution.

The Bill of Rights were written to protect the individual rights and freedoms not addressed in the Constitution.

To ratify means to approve.

When the Constitution was sent to be ratified by some states some Americans were concerned that the Constitution gave the National Government too much power.

These people were known as Anti-Federalists and were present in many states.

Anti-federalists wanted amendments that would protect the rights of individuals against a National Government that was too powerful (like that experienced while under the rule of George III) . Patrick Henry

Amendments were proposed during the first Congress and sent to the states for ratification.

The first 10 amendments to be ratified promised rights of individuals and limited the power of government.

The rights included 1. Freedom of religion

2. Freedom of speech

3. Freedom to assemble peacefully

4. The right to bear arms

4. The right to bear arms

5. Protection against troops being quartered in your home

6. Safety from unreasonable searches

7. The requirement for indictment by a grand jury for major crimes

8. Guarantees of a speedy public trial

9. Trial by jury

10. Prohibition against excessive bail

The Bill of Rights limits the power of the federal government and protects the rights of individuals and states

The Bill of Rights also recognizes that people have rights other than those mentioned in the Bill of Rights and that powers not delegated to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

American constitutional democracy places important responsibilities on citizens to take an active role in the civil process.

In America citizens have the responsibility to take an active role in the civic process.

Citizens are expected to follow rules and laws established by the local, state and federal government

Citizens are expected to express their beliefs and opinions by voting in elections

Citizens are expected to pay income tax to support local, state and federal projects.

Citizens are expected to serve on a jury to ensure the right of a fair trail to all individuals