Why did the Founders see the need to create a Bill of Rights in addition to the US Constitution? What historical documents and events influenced them as they drafted it? The Virginia Declaration of Rights written by James Madison, the Magna Carta, the Petition of Rights, the English Bill of Rights, and the Massachusetts Body of Liberties.

The Founders included both concepts of democracy and republic in the blueprint for American government. Democracy protected majority rule whereas the idea of a republic protected individual citizens. The Bill of Rights was an important addition to the Constitution because it helped to guarantee individual rights. As a fluid document, inclusions to the Bill of Rights like the 14th Amendment brought the idea of incorporation, the process of states being held liable to uphold the Bill of Rights on the state level.

This latest installment in our Homework Help series explores these important constitutional questions.

Documents of Freedom: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/cur...

Property Rights in America: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/cur...

Viewing Guide:
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Bill of Rights (1791)
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Preserving the Bill of Rights: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/cur...

What Are the Origins of the Bill of Rights?
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About the Bill of Rights Institute:

Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.

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