Bill Of Rights Research Paper

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After fighting for their independence Americans created a unique form of government that would protect them from a monarchical government. They decided through the Articles of Confederation to give most of the power to the states. “Under the Articles, the states, not Congress, had the power to tax. Congress could raise money only by asking the states for funds, borrowing from foreign governments, or selling western lands. In addition, Congress could not draft soldiers or regulate trade. There was no provision for national courts.”This form of government would not last for long. Without the power to impose taxes on the states and draft soldiers the federal government was extremely limited. Without any real powers, the federal government would …show more content…

These amendments guarantee essential rights and civil liberties, such as the right to free speech and the right to a fair trial, as well as reserving rights to the people and the states.” The Bill of Rights protects individuals from having the federal government infringe on their rights as citizens. The states and individuals did not want the federal government to have too much power that they could infringe on the people's rights as citizens. They wanted their government to be completely different from the system they used in Britain. If the states did not demand essential rights from the federal government individuals would constantly be put at …show more content…

“1. Freedom of speech, religion, press, etc. 2. Right to keep and bear arms. 3. The conditions for quartering soldiers.4. The right of search and seizure. 5. Provisions regarding the prosecution of an individual. 6. The right to a speedy trial. 7. The right to trial by jury. 8. Provision against excessive bail and cruel punishment before trial. 9. Rule of construction regarding the constitution; and 10. The rights of the states under the Constitution.” The rights that individuals get through the Bill of Rights are not absolute. Each Right is susceptible to interpretation and some are limited in power. The first amendment says citizens have the freedom of speech. If a citizen yells fire in a movie theater and someone is harmed, as a result the individual that yelled fire can still be prosecuted. Most of the amendments in the constitution have these underlying

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