Bill of Rights Day

Bill of Rights Day History

Bill of Rights Day acknowledges the vital role that the Bill of Rights plays in upholding civil liberties and maintaining the balance of power within the government. The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This event encourages all Americans to reflect on the foundational freedoms that shape the nation's identity and guide its democratic ethos.

Evolving from the revolutionary ethos of the late 18th century, the Bill of Rights was adopted into the U.S. Constitution on December 15, 1791. This milestone came after an intensive debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists about the necessity of delineating explicit safeguards of individual rights and certain principles of government. The phenomenal document encapsulates inherent freedoms suсh as speech, religion, fair trials, and prevents the government from imposing 'cruel and unusual punishments', thereby epitomizing the paramount values of human dignity and privacy.

Bill of Rights Day was first designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 to mark the 150th anniversary of its ratification. Today, it continues to be celebrated every year on December 15th, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring commitment to the democratic principles and freedoms that define the nation. Schools, cultural, and civic institutions across the country often host events and initiatives to highlight the significance of these essential amendments. Bill of Rights Day is observed annually on December 15th.

Bill of Rights Day facts

• James Madison had drafted 19 amendments in 1789. The House of Representatives narrowed them down to 17. The senate then narrowed them down to 12. Upon review, states decided to reject the first two amendments, thus leaving 10 remaining. These 10 would go onto to be known as the Bill of Rights.
• The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791 by 3/4 of the U.S states. Three states did not ratify the Bill of Rights until 1939 however. They were Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Georgia. They finally ratified it in 1939, the 150th anniversary of the Constitution.
• It is believed that in 1865, a union soldier stole North Carolina's copy of the Bill of Rights. It wasn't discovered until 2007 when the FBI learned of its whereabouts through an antique dealer trying to sell it.
• Despite its significance, the original Bill of Rights document is not in great condition due to poor preservation efforts in the 19th century.
• The Bill of Rights does not grant rights. Instead, it restricts the government from infringing upon rights that are seen as inherent and inalienable, which means they cannot be taken away.
• The Constitution originally contained no Bill of Rights. This was a major point of contention between Federalists, who supported the Constitution, and Anti-Federalists, who opposed it.

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Top things to do for Bill of Rights Day

• Brush up on your knowledge of the Bill of Rights as well as the other amendments.
• Visit the National Archives in Washington, D.C and view the Bill of Rights. The National Archives are home to three formative documents of the U.S: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
• If you're not an American citizen but wish to become one, check out this detailed checklist 10 Steps to Naturalization.
• Use this day to exercise your First Amendment rights by expressing your opinions on current issues to your elected officials. Share your thoughts on relevant policies or laws and emphasize the importance of protecting individual rights.
• Gather your family or friends and allocate a certain amount of time (e.g., an hour or two) to read and discuss the Bill of Rights. Reflect on the significance of each amendment and its impact on American society.