The 220th anniversary of the Ratification of the Bill of Rights

Following approval by the state of Virginia, the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights became the judicial basis for the newly formed country.
In September 1789, 55 delegates of the first Congress of the United States approved 12 amendments to the U.S. Constitution and sent them to the states for ratification. The amendments were intended to protect the basic unalienable rights of each U.S. citizen, guaranteeing the freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion, the right to fair trial and to bear arms. The powers not delegated to the federal government would be kept for the states and the people.

On December 15, 1791, Virginia became the 10th of 14 states to approve 10 of the 12 amendments, giving the Bill of Rights the two-thirds majority necessary to make the bill into law. Some notable names in the delegation were: Alexander Hamilton representing New York, Benjamin Franklin representing Pennsylvania, James Madison representing Virginia as well as George Washington representing Virginia.

The Bill of Rights holds a pivotal role in U.S law and government, and is regarded as the beacon of the freedoms enjoyed throughout our nation. To learn more about the U.S. constitution and its history check out the upcoming US Constitution For Beginners March of 2012.