Dbq Essay On The Bill Of Rights

Our founding fathers, historians, and regular people have worked hard, fought valiantly, and died to create the country that hundreds of millions of people live in today. People, like George Washington, helped to sculpt a brand new, unprecedented democracy that allows Americans to live freely and happily. When someone is lucky enough to be an American, it means that they are part of a country where they are free, where they have rights and responsibilities as US Citizens, and where they know when to be a leader and when to be a follower. Most countries in the world do not have the same freedom that America has. Two hundred and forty one years ago, when the Declaration of Independence was signed and adopted, so was a new, free country. Since

The leaders of our country made a government full of checks and balances so they did not become the constricting, dictating monarchy they fought so hard to separate themselves from. They gave the people a voice; the people had power and they used it. Citizens are able to vote, and have some say in who gets to be the leader of their country and what happens to the country they live in. Documents were published since the beginning of the nation to ensure that everyone was equal and aware of their rights. In 1791, the Bill Of Rights, the first 10 amendments of the constitution, was ratified. The Bill of Rights are some of the most simple and obvious rights citizens have, but not all of them. To be an American means that one has the freedom and rights that most countries do not. Since America is a democracy, the people have a say, and that is because of the Bill of Rights. This stated that there was no “law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” (Bill of Rights) America is different and better that

George Washington, the first president of America, made unprecedented decisions that changed the future of the country. Before gaining its independence, America was enslaved to Britain. Two million people lived under a monarchy, prior to George Washington stepping up and turning his country into a democracy unexpectedly. He was a true leader, one that understood what was wrong and right for his country. Washington was unanimously elected as the first president and every decision he made set a stepping stone for leaders yet to come. Washington only serving two terms and retiring after was one of the best decisions he ever made as president. (270 To Win) If he had not resigned and kept on serving, the country might have followed in Britain’s footsteps into a monarchy, and the citizens wouldn’t have a say or voice like they do now. Washington was an amazing leader and set an example for the American people to follow. To be an American is to know when to lead and when to follow, and Washington did an amazing job of that. Another example of being a leader at the right time is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln saw that the country was dividing during the 1860’s and led the country back together and united them as president. (Civil War) Americans are different from other countries that are monarchies or dictatorships. There, the leader is the leader and everyone else just follows them. In America,