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What is Bill of Rights Day?
Bill of Rights Day, observed annually on December 15th, celebrates the ratification of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution in 1791. Known as the Bill of Rights, these amendments were introduced to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections for due process and fair trials.
This day is a reminder of the enduring significance of these principles in American democracy.
The History of Bill of Rights Day
The Bill of Rights was introduced by James Madison in 1789 to address concerns raised during the ratification of the Constitution. Many states felt that the original Constitution lacked sufficient guarantees of individual liberties. After extensive debate, Congress approved 12 amendments, ten of which were ratified by the states on December 15, 1791.
In 1941, to mark the 150th anniversary of the ratification, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed December 15th as Bill of Rights Day. This proclamation aimed to encourage Americans to reflect on the freedoms and protections enshrined in these amendments.
What Does the Bill of Rights Include?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. They include:
- Freedom of Speech, Religion, and Press — Protects individual expression and the free exercise of religion.
