Read the section "Proposal For A Bill Of Rights."
Select the paragraph from the section that shows which amendment James Madison thought was more essential than the others.
A
Many of the amendments dealt with personal liberties. These had been trampled by the British when the states were still colonies. Concepts such as freedom of religion, speech and press were very important to American citizens. Also important were the freedoms to assemble in protest and petition the government for the correction of wrongs.
B
Madison also proposed that the Constitution protect the right to keep and bear arms. This would let states form their own militias. Citizens could protect themselves. At the time, there were no professional police forces. Congress added a provision banning any army or militia from forcing citizens to house soldiers. During the Revolution, many colonists had suffered the invasion of British soldiers into their homes.
C
The House agreed to the clauses Madison had written guaranteeing due process of law. The same amendment protected citizens against self-incrimination and double jeopardy. It forbid cruel and unusual punishment or unreasonable searches and seizures. It also granted people the right to a speedy trial and trial by jury.
D
Congress now considered the amendment Madison believed to be most important: "No State shall infringe the equal rights of conscience, nor the freedom of speech, or of the press, nor the right of trial by jury in criminal cases." He felt that states, too, should have to protect these basic rights.
D
Congress now considered the amendment Madison believed to be most important: "No State shall infringe the equal rights of conscience, nor the freedom of speech, or of the press, nor the right of trial by jury in criminal cases." He felt that states, too, should have to protect these basic rights.