Why was the Bill of Rights created?
The amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were designed to protect the basic rights of U.S. citizens, guaranteeing the freedom of speech, press, assembly, and exercise of religion; the right to fair legal procedure and to bear arms; and that powers not delegated to the federal government were reserved for the states …
What does the Declaration of Independence say about rights?
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent …
How does Bill of Rights limit the government?
The Bill of Rights consists of 10 amendments that explicitly guarantee certain rights and protections to US citizens by limiting the power of the federal government. The First Amendment prevents the government from interfering with the freedoms of speech, peaceable assembly, and exercise of religion.
How does Bill of Rights affect us today?
As a citizen, the Bill of Rights has a huge affect on me daily. As citizens we are extremely lucky to have this document to protect and ensure us all of our freedoms and rights. This right is so important, because it protects our rights to speech, press, petition, religion, and assembly.
Does the Bill of Rights still apply today?
Some rights, such as the Third Amendment ban on military commandeering of civilian homes in peacetime, still have not been extended to all 50 states. Today, Bill of Rights claims make up many of the highest-profile cases in each year’s Supreme Court docket.
Is voting in person a constitutional right?
In the U.S., no one is required by law to vote in any local, state, or presidential election. According to the U.S. Constitution, voting is a right and a privilege. Many constitutional amendments have been ratified since the first election. However, none of them made voting mandatory for U.S. citizens.
Who could vote when the Constitution was written?
Only white men age 21 and older who own land can vote. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants full citizenship rights, including voting rights, to all men born or naturalized in the United States.