Bill of Rights is finally ratified
Following ratification by the state of Virginia, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, become the law of the land. …
liberty
The Bill of Rights was Passed by Congress to Protect the Civil Liberties of American Citizens and Prevent the Government from Abusing Power
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. Written by James Madison in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for …
A Congressman from Massachusetts, Fisher Ames, Proposes the Wording of the First Amendment
He sat next to George Washington in the pew at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York during the religious service following Washington’s presidential inauguration. He …
James Madison’s Speech to the First Congress Proposing Twenty Amendments to the United States Constitution
In this James Madison speech to the First Congress, Madison proposes twenty amendments to the United States Constitution. The Constitution’s acceptance by the people of …
William Wilberforce gives His Passionate “Abolition Speech” to the House of Commons to Convince them that Slavery Must be Abolished
William Wilberforce was a member of the British Parliament who converted to Christianity and later became an abolitionist. As a Christian, he sought to reform …
Alexander Hamilton Speech on Compromises of the Constitution: “I hope we shall never sacrifice our liberties.”
Mr. Chairman: The honorable member who spoke yesterday went into an explanation of a variety of circumstances to prove the expediency of a change in …
James Madison: “There are More Instances of the Abridgment of Freedom… by Gradual & Silent Encroachments of Those in Power than by Violent and Sudden Usurpations.”
James Madison (1751-1836) helped frame the Bill of Rights, member of the Continental Congress and rapporteur at the Constitutional Convention in 1776 and 4th President of …
Patrick Henry, Speech before the Virginia Ratifying Convention: ““Guard with jealous attention the public liberty…”
Patrick Henry, speech before the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788: “Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will …
The Northwest Ordinance is Passed by Continental Congress
In 1781, Virginia began by ceding its extensive land claims to Congress, a move that made other states more comfortable in doing the same. In …
Thomas Jefferson on Farmers: “They are the Most Vigorous, the Most Independent, the Most Virtuous, and they are Tied to their Country and… it’s Liberty”
Thomas Jefferson Letter to John Jay, August 23, 1785: “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most …