Running head: BILL OF RIGHTS/ GOVERNMENT 1

Bill of Rights/ Government

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BILL OF RIGHTS/ GOVERNMENT 2

Not everyone was pleased with the United States Constitution when it was written in

1787 by our nation's founders. Some states agreed to sign it only if it included a list of individual

rights. Fortunately, the Constitution's Framers established a procedure for updating or modifying

the document if necessary. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were added in

1791. They laid out the foundation of the basic freedoms and rights of Americans. During the

initial stages, the Bill of Rights to protect Americans was not considered important. However,

the Constitution's supporters later realized that it was essential to achieve its ratification (BRI,

2021; Junior Scholastic, 2018).

Perhaps the most popular part of the Bill of Rights is the First Amendment. This right is

crucial because it protects the rights to press, speech, religion, assembly, and petition. Freedom

of speech is important because citizens are not afraid to speak up and share their opinions

regardless of what anyone thinks. The main objective of the Founding Fathers was to offer

protection to the Americans and shield them from governmental interference. The right to

religion ensures the citizens are free to worship however they want without considering whether

they belong to a minority or a majority religion. Americans feel safe while practicing any faith

because of the Bill (Rittgers & Rittgers, n.d.).

The amendment is relevant today because, without the Bill of Rights, Americans would

not enjoy as many rights and freedoms. These rights give them the privilege to live without the

fear of discrimination, oppression, and uncertainty. While all the other amendments are

important, the First Amendment is crucial because citizens can freely express their opinions and

share ideas. For example, without the First Amendment, simple tasks such as freely answering

questions or asking would not be possible. Also, Americans would not protest on the streets if

the amendment was not adopted.

BILL OF RIGHTS/ GOVERNMENT 3

References

BRI. (2021). Bill of Rights (1791). Retrieved from Bill of Rights Institute website:

https://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/bill-of-rights

Junior Scholastic. (2018, September 18). The Bill of Rights. Retrieved from

junior.scholastic.com website: https://junior.scholastic.com/issues/2017-18/091817/the-

bill-of-rights.html

Rittgers & Rittgers. (n.d.). 2013 Essay Contest Winners. Retrieved from Rittgers & Rittgers,

Attorneys at Law website:

https://www.rittgers.com/practice-areas-overview/scholarships/2013-essay-contest-

winners/