Question

Relate the importance of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights to our democracy.

Answer 1

The ordinary people have had no role in their government in many countries throughout history. All people in a democracy help shape the government. The United States is a democracy that bestows many freedoms on its people. The Constitution's Bill of Rights lists certain rights, such as the right to speak freely, the right to practice any religion and the right to a fair trial in court. The right to vote is one of the most significant rights. When citizens vote they help to select their leaders in government. At age 18, citizens can register to vote.

Those rights are covered by government. The government also protects the rights of all people in housing and jobs to be treated fairly, so that no one can discriminate against them on account of religion or race.

The Bill of Rights represents the first step that "We the People" took in amending the Constitution "in order to form a more perfect Union." A remarkable achievement was the original, unamended Constitution, which established a revolutionary governance structure that put power in the hands of the people. Building on that foundation, the Bill of Rights protects our most cherished American freedoms, including freedom of speech , religion, assembly and due process of law. The Bill of Rights has been shaping and shaping what it means to be American for more than two centuries — as we have exercised, restricted, expanded, tested and debated those freedoms.