Although the Constitution set out the powers of the new government, it did not necessarily define what the limits of those powers might be. Federalists such as Alexander Hamilton argued that because the new government had assigned powers, a bill of rights was not necessary, as an assigned power was already limited. The Federalist argument did not reassure Anti-Federalists, who felt that the powers of the new government were too broad. This debate threatened to derail ratification of the Constitution in certain states. James Madison, campaigning for a seat in the new federal government, promised voters that he would push for a bill of rights. As an elected representative, Madison proposed nine constitutional amendments to Congress; after Congressional debate, these grew to 12; upon final passage, 10 amendments comprised the Bill of Rights we know today.

The Bill of Rights has been discussed in the previous section under "Citizen rights." Click the following link to explore the guarantees and liberties set out by these 10 amendments.

https://wethepeople.scholastic.com/grade-4-6/bill-of-rights.html

Learning Activity

When the Founders signed the Constitution, not all people were equal under the law. Over the years, the question of equality has been addressed by amending the Constitution. Which amendments have created greater equality for all citizens? (See the 15th, 19th, 23rd, and 26th amendments.) Click on the following web site to learn more about the Constitution and equality under the law.

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_amendments_11-27.html