Bill of Rights Day
The history of the United States is long and storied. It starts with a declaration of independence by the 13 united states of America and continued with the struggle of the U.S against Great Britain—the strongest military of the time. But one of the most important pieces of its history is the ratification of the Bill of Rights on December 15, 1791—an act that’s now celebrated annually on December 15th.Â
United States (Observance)What Is The Bill Of Rights?
Before we can even begin to discuss this holiday, we first have to discuss the document behind it: The Bill Of Rights. This document is made up of the first ten amendments to the U.S Constitution. It specifically guarantees American citizens certain rights and freedoms, and also place a clear limitation on the government’s power in judicial proceeds. The ten amendments that comprise the Bill Of Rights are listed below:
The First Amendment
Congress should make no law respecting the establishment of religion or the free exercise of religion. Congress cannot abridge freedom of speech or the press, and it cannot interfere with the right of the people to assemble peaceably and to petition their government for a redress of their grievances.Â
The Second Amendment
This amendment allows the establishment of a well-regulated militia and preserves the right of the people to keep and bear arms.Â
The Third Amendment
Protects people from having to quarter soldiers in peace, or in time of war without the express consent of the homeowner.Â
The Fourth Amendment
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; allows for warrants to be issued only with probable cause and only under sworn oath and with a particular description of the area, things, and people to be searched.Â
The Fifth Amendment
With limitations, this amendment prevents people from being held for a capital crime without an indictment of a Grand Jury. It also states that no only should be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, and that people can’t be subject to the same offense twice, and that no one should be compelled to be a witness against themselves.Â
The Sixth Amendment
This amendment states that the accused in criminal prosecutions have the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, and guarantees everyone the right to counsel.Â
The Seventh Amendment
This amendment established the right of trial by jury in suits at common law where the value in controversy is more than twenty dollars.Â
The Eighth Amendment
This amendment states that excessive bail shouldn’t be required, nor excessive fines imposed on criminal defendants. It also eliminates cruel and unusual punishments.Â
The Ninth Amendment
This prevents the amendments from denying or disparaging citizens of rights they possess that aren’t specifically outlined.Â
The Tenth Amendment
This amendment states that any powers not reserved to the U.S by the Constitution, nor prohibited by the States, are hereby reserved for the States.Â
History Of Bill Of Rights Day
This holiday was passed by a joint resolution of Congress on December 15, 1941, during the 150 anniversary of the creation of the Bill Of Rights. Â
Celebrating Bill Of Rights Day
This day is celebrated with government buildings raising the American flag and with citizens honoring the day with appropriate prayers and ceremonies.Â
United States (Observance)
