The Federalists believed it was

unnecessary and that the Constitution already guarded against tyranny by limiting the government’s power The Antifederalists disagreed

If the Federalist’s had not promised to later add a Bill of Rights the Constitution may not have been ratified

Why wasn’t the Bill of Rights part of the

Constitution?

Amendments (changes to the Constitution) must be approved at the State and National levels

There are two ways to propose an amendment: 1. Congress proposes an amendment and it is

approved by 2/3 vote 2. A National convention can be called by 2/3

States There are two ways to ratify an amendment:

1. 3/4 of State legislatures vote to approve it 2. 3/4 of State conventions approve it

The Amendment Process

Adding a Bill of Rights was proposed to

respond to the people’s will However, others argued that other

important laws needed to be passed first Madison argued that it should be prepared

soon: “Make the Constitution better in the

opinion of those who are opposed to it without weakening its frame…in the judgment of those who are attached to it”

The Debate in Congress

The list of rights drew on many earlier statements

of individual rights: Magna Carta The English Bill of Rights Colonial Charters State Constitutions

There was debate as to where to place it in the Constitution. It was decided that the list of rights would be

attached to the end of the document In order to not take away from the importance of the

original document

The Bill of Rights is Prepared

12 Amendments were approved by

Congress and proposed to the states for ratification in 1789.

Only two failed to gain enough support: Proposals to enlarge the size of the

House and to limit when Congress might raise its salaries

By December 15, 1791, the states had ratified 10 amendments protecting citizen’s rights.

The Proposal for Ratification