{\b The United States Bill of Rights}.

{\b General Outline}.

The 'Bill of Rights' is a catalogue of inalienable rights which are recognised 
and given protection by the United States Constitution. It is not a separate 
document but is contained in the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

  
{\b Historical Background}.

After the American states declared independence each state wrote a bill of 
rights. The most important of these was the Virginia Declaration of Rights of 
1776 by George Mason.

At the Federal Constitution at Philadelphia in 1787, Mason called for a 'Bill 
of Rights', and Elbridge Gerry asked for a committee to be established for 
this purpose. Gerry was defeated and the Constitution which was submitted to 
the states for ratification did not contain a bill of rights. When the 
Constitution went to the states for ratification, it was argued that the 
Constitution was flawed since it lacked a bill of rights.

When the United States Constitution was adopted in 1788 there were two 
different views on the requirement for a statement of rights. One group, in 
particular Alexander Hamilton, believed that rights were protected adequately 
as states had their own declaration of rights. Moreover, if such basic rights 
existed it was unnecessary to write them down.

However, James Madison believed that a definitive statement of rights would be 
an important restraint against the natural tendency of governments or any 
majority of people to abuse power and infringe the rights of individuals. 

Having fought a war of independence against an abusive central government, the 
states were also keen to have rights specifically included in the 
Constitution. Madison became the chief advocate for a bill of rights. From 
June to September 1789 the state responses to the ratification of the 
Constitution were received. Madison convinced Congress that the states wanted 
a statement of rights in the Constitution. 

By September 1789 Madison had overcome the indifference and opposition in 
Congress to a bill of rights and twelve amendments to the Constitution were 
proposed. Eventually ten of these were accepted and the amendments 
incorporated the 'Bill of Rights' into the Constitution on December 15th, 
1791.  

{\b Basic Features}. 
The background to the 'Bill of Rights' is the English constitutional 
tradition. The main influences were the Magna Carta (1215), the Petition of 
Rights (1628) and the Bill of Rights (1689). These were written in response to 
the abuse of power in England. 

The 'Bill of Rights' was inspired by the theories of the English political 
philosopher John Locke (1632-1704). Locke believed that every individual had a 
right to life, liberty and property. Among other things, the 'Bill of Rights' 
recognises the freedoms of religion, speech and of the press.

{\b Conclusion}.

The 'Bill of Rights' has had decisive influence in the development of the 
American government, politics and law. It identified certain rights which were 
"fundamental maxims" and required that these be protected. These rights have 
obtained sacred status and are considered part of the American "national 
sentiment."