This activity is part of Module 5: The Bill of Rights from the Constitution 101 Curriculum.
The First Congress formally approved the Bill of Rights on September 25, 1789, and sent it to the states for ratification. On December 15, 1791—so, over two years later—the first 10 amendments to the Constitution were ratified. In this activity, you will learn about the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the story behind its creation, including the key role played by the Dissenters at the Constitutional Convention.
After you watch the video, answer the following questions.
- Why did the delegates to the Constitutional Convention leave out a bill of rights?
- Who was the primary author of the Bill of Rights?
- What sources influenced him when he wrote his first draft of the Bill of Rights?
- What were the arguments in favor of adding the Bill of Rights? (Mason)
- What were the arguments against the Bill of Rights? (Madison)
