Bill of Rights Day
About Bill of Rights Day
When is Bill of Rights Day? This special day is always observed on December 15
Today is Bill of Rights Day, a December 15 holiday. To Americans, the Bill of Rights are key amendments to the U.S. Constitution, that protect our rights as Americans.
On March 4, 1789, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified by the former 13 colonies and went into effect. However, the States and individuals were concerned that the Constitution did not properly cover and protect several rights of individuals. The Constitution was signed by the original 13 states with the requirement, or understanding, that a Bill of Rights would be created, amending the new U.S. Constitution.
On September 25, 1789, the First Congress of the United States proposed to the state legislatures 12 amendments to the Constitution. 10 of these amendments were added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791. Of the 12 proposed amendments, 10 were approved.
On Bill of Rights Day, we hope you celebrate your American Citizenship and spend a few minutes during the day reflecting upon the freedoms that you enjoy. These freedoms do not exist in many countries of the world.
The Original Bill of Rights Amendments
The first Congress of the United States proposed twelve amendments to the Constitution. Here are the ten original amendments to the Bill of Rights that the states passed:
- Amendment 1- Freedom of speech, press, and religion
- Amendment 2 – The right to bear arms
- Amendment 3- Protection of homeowners from quartering troops, except during war.
- Amendment 4 – Rights and protections against unreasonable search and seizure
- Amendment 5 – Rights of due process of law, protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination
- Amendment 6 – Rights of a speedy trial by jury of peers and rights of accused
- Amendment 7 – Rights to trial by jury in civil cases
- Amendment 8 – Protection from cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail
- Amendment 9 – Protection of rights not specified in the Bill of Rights
- Amendment 10 – States rights, power of the states
Of the 12 original amendments, which ones were not approved?
The original Amendments # 1 and #2 did not pass These dealt with the number of representatives to congress, and compensation to representatives. Had they passed, there would be over 6,000 congressmen today!!!
Since the passage of the original bill or rights, 17 other amendments were proposed and passed.
How to Celebrate Bill of Rights Day
Because the Bill of Rights defines your rights as an American citizen, this is a very important holiday. So, here are some ways to celebrate and participate in this holiday:
- Celebrate your American citizenship.
- Learn about how the need for the Bill of Rights was identified and established.
- Read the Bill of Rights.
- Learn more about the importance of these (your) rights.
This Day in History
In addition to Bill of Rights Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Sioux Chief Sitting Bull was killed by Indian police. (1890)
- Gone with the Wind premiered in where else but Atlanta, Georgia. (1939)
- Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, engineer, designed the Eiffel Tower, was born on this day in 1832.
Thought for Today
Some people are like a callus: they always show up after the work is finished.
Related Holidays
More December 15 Holidays
Additionally, here is another December 15 holiday we’re sure you will enjoy.
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date.
Famous Birthdays – Find out who shares your birth date.
Recipe of the Day: Blueberry Pumpkin Struesel Muffins
Also See: Holiday Recipes and Pumpkin Recipes Galore
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for Bill of Rights Day or just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Without a doubt, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Thus, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Moreover, in addition to Bill of Rights Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.