Question

as the delegates gathered in may 1787 to revise the articles of confederation, a virginia delegate, george mason, voiced his disappointment with the new constitutional proposals because “... there is no declaration of individual rights.” mason had written the virginia declaration of rights earlier, and that declaration influenced thomas jefferson when he wrote the first part of the declaration of independence. ultimately, masons views were accepted by james madison. these ideas were coupled with amendments suggested by the states ratifying conventions. madison would come to be called the “father of the constitution” because of his negotiating power and master - strokes of compromise. in 1789, the new congress took action when madison proposed amendments. the house of representatives whittled those down to 17, with 12 passing the senate. in 1791, ten were approved and ratified by the states. they make up the bill of rights, or the first ten amendments.
the bill of rights amendments provide certain guarantees yet to be written into the constitution. their purpose was to protect the rights of the people against any misuse of governmental powers. these amendments protect rights in four general areas. the first amendment preserves personal freedom of expression and religion. amendments two through four preserve the security and privacy of every citizen. amendments five through eight concern fair and equal treatment under the law. the last two make general statements guaranteeing that the national government will not assume more power than the constitution grants.
guaranteed fundamental freedoms
the first 10 amendments guarantee: freedom of religion, speech, and the press; the right to assemble and petition the government; the right to keep and bear arms; protection from unreasonable search and seizure; that no person be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; a fair and speedy trial; trial by jury; protection against excessive bail or unusual punishment.
questions
true or false? write a t or f in the space provided.

1. the first ten amendments were adopted a month after the constitution was approved.
2. the first ten amendments make up the bill of rights.
3. jefferson supported the idea of a bill of rights.
4. the bill of rights applies to all levels of government.
5. the bill of rights was proposed in an attempt to defeat the constitution.
6. the bill of rights does not give a person the right to criticize a government official.
7. the bill of rights protects freedom of speech even if the speech is unpopular.
8. the right to a trial by jury is in the bill of rights.
9. george mason wrote the virginia declaration of rights.
10. sometimes, the courts must interpret the constitution affecting someones rights.
11. congress could choose one religion for the whole country.
12. when the british won the american revolution they implemented their own bill of rights.

Explanation:

1. The first ten amendments (Bill of Rights) were added after the Constitution was approved.
2. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments.
3. Jefferson was influenced by ideas related to a bill of rights.
4. The Bill of Rights applies to government - federal, state, and local.
5. It was proposed to safeguard rights, not defeat the Constitution.
6. It protects freedom of speech including criticism of officials.
7. Protects unpopular speech under freedom of speech.
8. Right to trial by jury is in the Bill of Rights.
9. George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
10. Courts interpret the Constitution regarding rights.
11. Congress cannot establish a national religion (1st Amendment).
12. Americans won the American Revolution, not the British.

Answer:

1. T
2. T
3. T
4. T
5. F
6. F
7. T
8. T
9. T
10. T
11. F
12. F