The Bill Of Rights

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Although the Constitution itself was passed without a bill (a subject of heated debate before ratification) the amendments were added soon after. One of the arguments given against a bill of rights is that it gave rights to the people that were already assumed to be theirs, thereby suggesting "hidden powers" in the government system. However, these same ten rights listed are invaluable to us today. These rights include freedom of speech and of the press, the right to keep and bear arms, the right to a speedy trial by jury, and many others. This bill of rights was a subject of great controversy in the early days of our government system, but without this bill, our liberties would be greatly challenged today.