why was the bill of rights adopted?

Question

Who the federalist were, who the anti-fed were and what each side want. How each side compromise bill of right.

Answer 1

THE BILL OF RIGHTS (WHY IT WAS ADOPTED)
Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution

The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Answer 2

Very good question. "The Federalist Papers" or "The Federalist" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay is an EXCELLENT source for your understanding of who the federalists were, and who the "anti-federalists" were, and what each side wanted. I don't believe I have a book in my library on the Declaration of Independence, or, if I do, I can't find it at this late hour (11:49pm). I think you'll find plenty of written information on the Declaration, as well as many copies of "The Federalist Papers". I know you'll enjoy reading them because they will truly and thoroughly answer your questions. God Bless you.

Answer 3

The DEMAND for a "Bill of Rights" in the Constitution came from a number of those who OPPOSED (the "anti-federalists") ratifying the document, including George Mason whose influence was considerable in the key state of Virginia who raised the issue at Virginia's ratifying convention.. These men feared that the new stronger federal government would fall into the same abuses that had pushed them to break from British rule, and wanted explicit assurances.

Another reason this group wanted such a group of specifically listed rights is solidly rooted in their own British history, esp. in the "English Bill of Rights" of 1689. (Incidentally, this document has many echoes in the Declaration of Independence and in the "Virginia Declaration of Rights" penned by George Mason.)


Many supporters of the Constitution (the "Federalists" before this became identified as the name of a party), including Madison and Washington, did not at first see the need for such explicit protections. They understood the Constitution to limit the federal government to those powers listed in it.

But Madison relented to gain support for the Constitution and to AVOID the possibility of critics calling a NEW Constitutional convention which would threaten to undo the work of the first one. He later convinced Washington of the wisdom of this move. (Consequently Washington appealed to Congress to do so, which was a significant help in securing the passage of these amendments.)
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You might be interested in the following recent book which explores Madison's work, beginning with the Constitutional Convention.. through his taking over as a 'floor manager' for these amendments, and the process by which he secured their passage.

Richard Labunski, *James Madison and the Struggle for the Bill of Rights* (Oxford University Press, 2006)

Answer 4

So that the people would be guaranteed basic rights. The Constitution is the law of the land so they became part of the Constitution. For your added info when the military takes their oath at enlistment the Constitution is what they join to defend. We only swear to obey the President.

Answer 5

they were a promise made by federalists to ensure the constitution would be ratified

Answer 6

because it needed a home and loving parents.