Question

HISTORY.

In 200 words answer the following. Why did the anti-Federalists demand a Bill of Rights? What are some of the key protections offered by the Bill of Rights?

Answer 1

The Anti-Federalists opposed US 1787 ratification. Constitution because, given the absence of a bill of rights, they feared the new national government would be too powerful and thus threaten individual liberties. Their opposition was a major factor which led to the adoption of the First Amendment and the other nine amendments which constitute the Bill of Rights.

The Constitution, adopted in the 1787 Constitutional Conference, had to be ratified by nine or more State Legislatures (and by all States willing to participate in the new Government). A clash broke out over ratification, with the Anti-Federalists opposed the creation of a strong national government and rejected ratification, while the Federalists advocated a strong union and constitutional adoption.

The Anti-Federalists have struggled to prevent the Constitution from being adopted but their efforts have not been completely in vain. Although many Federalists initially argued against the need for a bill of rights to ensure the passage of the Constitution, they promised to add amendments specifically to it that would protect individual freedoms. Upon ratification, twelve amendments were introduced by James Madison during the 1789 First Congress. Ten of these have been ratified by the states, which took effect in 1791 and are today collectively known as the Bill of Rights.

Although the Federalists and Anti-Federalists reached a compromise that led to the Constitution being adopted, that harmony did not filter into George Washington 's presidency. Political division over fiscal policy within the newly created government cabinet emerged in 1792. Those who supported the progressive policies of Alexander Hamilton founded the Federalist Party, while those who supported the view that Thomas Jefferson opposed deficit spending founded the Jeffersonian Party.

The First Amendment prevents the government from interfering with freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and religious exercise.
The Second Amendment declares that properly constituted militias are a safeguard of freedom and will protect the right to bear arms.
The Third Amendment forbids the quartering of troops in private homes – an incredibly controversial issue that had driven the colonists to war with Britain.
The Fourth Amendment protects the people from arbitrary private property searches and seizures.

The Bill of Rights has proven to be one of the most influential documents in contemporary history, codifying the theory of natural rights, which holds that God gives human beings certain liberties and freedoms, and that the state should not have the power to usurp or otherwise infringe those rights. This was a significant departure from previous individual rights theories which the state or sovereign granted to people. Since their ratification comes into effect in the United States, the Bill of Rights has inspired numerous political leaders around the world.