Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights is the name used to refer to the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were added to help gain the support of the Anti-federalists during the process of ratification. Over time, many of these amendments have become essential to American society.

The First Amendment to the Constitution is a great example of a part of the Bill of Rights that has become ingrained into American society. Ideals like the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom to petition the government are all outlined in the First Amendment.

Due process of law is also an essential aspect of American society. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution ensures that the federal government follows due process of law before it deprives a citizen of life, liberty, or property. This prevents the federal government from acting randomly or unreasonably. The Fifth Amendment is important, but it only applies to the national government. The Fourteenth Amendment was added to the Constitution after the Civil War to ensure that state governments follow due process of law when prosecuting citizens. Under the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, several other constitutional amendments have been incorporated; this means these incorporated civil liberties are protected at the state level as well as the national level.