Today is Bill of Rights Day. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 15 to be Bill of Rights Day. This was to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights. Most of us do not even know this is a "holiday". The link on "holiday" gives all the rights in the Bill of Rights. Many do not know the Bill of Rights, although it is a great piece of our constitution and history of our United States.
The Bill of Rights are key amendments to the U.S. Constitution, that protect an individual's rights.
Those of you with Alexander Hamilton in your tree, know he was an advocate of the Constitution and was opposed to adding the bill of rights. Those with Patrick Henry in their tree know he was opposed to the constitution and this was an answer to his misgiving of the constitution. Fascinating reading on the factors that went into the making of this nation America.
On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified by the (former)13 colonies, and went into effect. States and individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and protect a number of rights of individuals. The Constitution was signed by the original 13 states with the requirement, or understanding, that a Bill of Rights would be created, amending the new U.S. Constitution.
On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed to the state legislatures 12 amendments to the Constitution.
10 of these amendments were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791.
Most of the delegates agreed that this was a needful action.
The picture of the original Bill of Rights and the letter below of George Washington to Marquis de La Fayette
are from the Library of Congress.
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