More than two centuries ago, our Founders drafted the Constitution in order to create an American Government that could act with urgency on national issues without compromising individual rights and freedoms. They had the genius not only to craft such a Government but to foresee their own fallibility as well. In their foresight, they made the charter at the heart of our Nation a living document — including within it a process by which it could be amended to evolve and keep pace with the wisdom of passing time. Show Opportunities to improve our Constitution have been contemplated since its inception. On December 15, 1791, three-fourths of the existing State legislatures ratified the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution — the Bill of Rights. These Amendments protect some of the most indispensable rights and liberties that define us as Americans. Though we have often struggled to live up to the promises they contain, 230 years after the ratification of the Bill of Rights, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remains at the center of our democracy. The Bill of Rights is important not only in the freedoms it protects but in its demonstration of America’s enduring commitment to self-improvement and striving to continuously form a “more perfect union.” Since 1791, 17 additional Amendments have been ratified for a total of 27 Amendments to the Constitution. From the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery; to the 14th Amendment, which guaranteed birthright citizenship, promised “equal protection under the laws,” and safeguarded fundamental rights and fair process; to the several Amendments devoted to prohibiting electoral discrimination based on race, sex, age, and the inability to afford a tax; to the most recent amendment ratified in 1992 to keep members of Congress more responsive to their voters — our history of amending the Constitution illustrates that improving our democracy is the shared and constant duty of all Americans. Democracy’s greatest strength is the ability it provides its citizens to improve their system of governance, which is why democracy is uniquely suited to face the challenges of a changing world. Just as our Founders overcame their differences to form the democracy we know today, our country continues to confront its problems head-on and work together to fix them, even in the face of disagreements. Respectful disagreement is healthy and American — indeed, it is protected by the Bill of Rights itself — but there is no place in a democracy for threats or violence. Earlier this month, the United States hosted the first ever Summit for Democracy, where Governmental and non-governmental leaders from around the world came together to set forth an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal and to tackle the greatest threats faced by democracies today through collective action. By working with our democratic partners, we can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 15, 2021, as Bill of Rights Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth. On July 4, 1776, the United States Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Its primary author, Thomas Jefferson, wrote the Declaration as a formal explanation of why Congress had voted on July 2 to declare independence from Great Britain, more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, and as a statement announcing that the thirteen American Colonies were no longer a part of the British Empire. Congress issued the Declaration of Independence in several forms. It was initially published as a printed broadsheet that was widely distributed and read to the public. Philosophically, the Declaration stressed two themes: individual rights and the right of revolution. These ideas became widely held by Americans and spread internationally as well, influencing in particular the French Revolution. The Constitution of the United States of America (1787) and Bill of Rights (1791)  The Bill of Rights of the US Constitution protects basic freedoms of United States citizens. Written during the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia, the Constitution of the United States of America is the fundamental law of the US federal system of government and the landmark document of the Western world. It is the oldest written national constitution in use and defines the principal organs of government and their jurisdictions and the basic rights of citizens. The first ten amendments to the Constitution—the Bill of Rights—came into effect on December 15, 1791, limiting the powers of the federal government of the United States and protecting the rights of all citizens, residents and visitors in American territory. The Bill of Rights protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to keep and bear arms, the freedom of assembly and the freedom to petition. It also prohibits unreasonable search and seizure, cruel and unusual punishment and compelled self-incrimination. Among the legal protections it affords, the Bill of Rights prohibits Congress from making any law respecting establishment of religion and prohibits the federal government from depriving any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law. In federal criminal cases it requires indictment by a grand jury for any capital offense, or infamous crime, guarantees a speedy public trial with an impartial jury in the district in which the crime occurred, and prohibits double jeopardy. What impact does the Bill of Rights have on society in the United States quizlet?The first ten amendments protect basic freedoms; especially of the minority groups. It was added to the Constitution to protect the people from the national government from having too much power. Adding the Bill of Rights helped change many people's minds to ratify the Constitution.
How does the Bill of Rights play a role in today's society?The Importance of the Bill of Rights The Bill of Rights is really important for many reasons but a really big one is our American Freedom. It protects our freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and due process of law.
How does the Bill of Rights protect society?Among the legal protections it affords, the Bill of Rights prohibits Congress from making any law respecting establishment of religion and prohibits the federal government from depriving any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
Why is the bill of rights important to the early history of the United States?Recently freed from the despotic English monarchy, the American people wanted strong guarantees that the new government would not trample upon their newly won freedoms of speech, press and religion, nor upon their right to be free from warrantless searches and seizures.
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