The Bill of Rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Bill of Rights - Research Paper ExampleOrigins of Bill of Rights Delegates from thirteen new American states drafted the Constitution in 1787 (U.S. Department of State). It provided the blueprint on the structure and functions of the government, but lacked a specific outline of human rights (Department of State). Virginia delegate George Mason stressed in one of his writings The Eyes of the United States are turned upon this Assembly and their Expectations raised to a very anxious Degree (U.S. National Archives and Records brass NARA). Mason wrote the Virginia firmness of Rights that inspired Thomas Jefferson in preparing the Declaration of Independence. Mason left the convention very dissatisfied, because it lacked a declaration of rights (NARA). Soon, George Masons opinions affected the assembly and a heated discussion on the Bill of Rights began. When James Madison first wrote the amendments to the Constitution, which constituted the Bill of Rights, he depended a great deal on the Virginia Declaration of Rights. The Bill of Rights represents the authoritative statement of many American of values the idea that the individual is prior to and takes precedence over any government (NARA Zinn).