Bill of Rights

Part of America's History

Washington was inaugurated as America's first president.  He wanted to establish a strong government. He remember the colonial period when civil rights were violated.  He hoped for change.

A number of prominent Americans did not like the omission of individual liberties in the proposed constitution. George Mason and Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts refused to sign it.

Thomas Jefferson, wrote James Madison that he was concerned about "the omission of a bill of rights....providing clearly....for freedom of religion, freedom of the press, protection against standing armies, and restriction against monopolies."

George Washington urged Congress in his first inaugural address to propose amendments that offered "a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for public harmony."

Motivated by these leading Americans, Congress responded by submitting Amendments to the Constitution providing for important civil liberties. They were officially proposed on September 25, 1789. Of the original twelve, Articles 3-12 were ratified. In 1791 these articles became the first ten amendments to the Constitution  Together, they became known as The Bill of Rights.