Read the background information and excerpts from Madison’s speech below.
Then, write a one page essay over the changes that occurred with the ratification of the first ten Amendments to the Constitution.
1 Paragraph needs to be about how Madison's attitude changed over time regarding the Bill of Rights.
1 Paragraph needs to be about how the Bill of Rights (only the 1st 10 Amendments) has changed the roles of and affected citizens and the federal and state governments.
Make sure to cite your sources even if using information from the Module.
You can cite this by using (Module 2) as an in-text citation.
Assignment requirements:
1 page essay outlining the changes the occurred after the ratification of the Bill of Rights.
12 point font
Times New Roman, Courier New, Arial, or Verdana font styles only
1 inch margins
Double-spaced
Cite in MLA format
Title: The Impact of the Ratification of the First Ten Amendments: An Evolution in Madison's Attitude and Citizen-Government Relations
Introduction:
The ratification of the first ten Amendments to the United States Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, marked a significant turning point in American history. This essay explores the changes that occurred as a result of this ratification, focusing on James Madison's evolving attitude towards the Bill of Rights and the subsequent impact on the roles of citizens, as well as federal and state governments. By examining Madison's speech and connecting it to the historical context, we can gain insight into the transformative effects of these amendments on the nation.
Madison's Attitude towards the Bill of Rights:
Initially, James Madison was skeptical of the need for a Bill of Rights. In his speech to the House of Representatives in June 1789, he argued that a bill explicitly enumerating individual rights was redundant since the Constitution itself already established a limited government (Module 2). However, as the demands for a Bill of Rights gained momentum, Madison's perspective gradually shifted. Recognizing the pressing concerns of the Anti-Federalists and the paramount importance of securing individual liberty, Madison eventually became convinced of the necessity to propose amendments to protect citizens from potential governmental abuse (Module 2). This transition in Madison's attitude highlights the growing awareness of the need for explicit protection of individual rights and the evolving view of the role of government as a guarantor of these rights.
The Impact on Citizens and Government:
The ratification of the Bill of Rights profoundly influenced the roles of citizens, as well as federal and state governments. By explicitly safeguarding fundamental freedoms, these constitutional amendments ensured that citizens' rights were secured against any encroachments by the government. The First Amendment, for instance, safeguarded freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, allowing citizens to express their ideas and beliefs without fear of repression (Module 2). Similarly, the Fourth Amendment protected citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, emphasizing the importance of personal privacy (Module 2). These amendments transformed citizens' relationship with the government by empowering individuals to hold public officials accountable and be active participants in the democratic process.
Moreover, the ratification of the Bill of Rights defined the boundaries of power between the federal and state governments. The Tenth Amendment, in particular, clarified that all powers not granted to the federal government were reserved for the states or the people themselves. This delicate balance between federal and state authority established by the Bill of Rights ensured that neither entity would unduly infringe upon the other's jurisdiction, preserving the principle of federalism inherent in the Constitution (Module 2).
Conclusion:
The ratification of the first ten Amendments, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, brought about significant changes in American society. James Madison's evolving attitude towards the necessity of a Bill of Rights demonstrated a growing recognition of the importance of explicit protection of individual liberties. These amendments fundamentally redefined the roles of citizens, establishing their rights as constitutionally protected and enabling their active engagement with the government. Similarly, the Bill of Rights solidified the boundaries of authority between the federal and state governments, safeguarding the integrity of the constitutional structure. The legacy of the Bill of Rights endures to this day, reminding us of the importance of preserving and defending individual rights within a well-balanced government framework.
Works Cited:
Module 2: The Constitution: Balancing Power and Individual Rights.