The Constitution: Our Bill of Rights | 5-Minute Videos

Did you know that freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms were not in the original Constitution, drafted in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787? So where did they come from? Sherif Girgis, associate professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, has the answer.

#constitution #billofrights #history #prageru

Script:

If you asked people to describe what is in the US Constitution, most would begin by citing freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and maybe the right to bear arms. But in fact, these are not part of the Constitution that came out of Philadelphia in September 1787. They are the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They are part of what is known as the Bill of Rights.

And why was this Bill of Rights necessary?

The answer is that many Americans thought the Constitution — a document dedicated to limiting federal power — didn’t limit that power enough. This was not a fringe opinion. People like Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Patrick Henry, and George Mason all shared this fear.

James Madison, one of the principal authors of the Constitution, disagreed. He argued that all the assurances the doubters wanted were already in the Constitution. They just needed to look a little more closely. But Madison, ever the pragmatist, came around — especially when it became clear that without these assurances, the Constitution would not be ratified.

So, Madison took it upon himself to draft the ten amendments.

The First Amendment is the most famous. It clearly sets out some of our most fundamental rights, the rights for which America has been universally admired.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble…

The Second Amendment protects the right of the people to possess firearms.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The Third Amendment is the most obscure, but made perfect sense to a citizenry that had, within recent memory, fought off the British Army.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner…

The Fourth Amendment prohibits the government from arresting you or searching your belongings without some reason to think that a crime has occurred.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause…

The Fifth Amendment guarantees you a fair legal process before you’re deprived of your freedom or property, and protects you from being put on trial for the same crime twice. It also protects you from having to testify against yourself in court. This is the source of the phrase “plead the fifth.” And if the government takes your property to put it to public use—for example, to build a highway—you must be paid a fair price for it.

…nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy… ; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

The Sixth Amendment gives those charged with a crime the right to have a speedy trial with a lawyer by their side, and to confront their accusers.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial… and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation… and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

The Seventh Amendment gives you the right to trial by jury in civil cases.

In Suits at common law…the right of trial by jury shall be preserved…

The Eighth Amendment protects you from unduly high bail and fines and antiquated forms of punishment.

[everettthepetractionguy]

I'm NOT so sure what good the Bill of Rights is. I'm seeing these rights being violated everyday by the authorities...and they're NOT being held accountable for these violations. 🙄

[idiotburns]

God Bless America and whoever reads this.

[oilhammer]

“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.”
― Cornelius Tacitus, Roman Historian and Politician

[patriotfamily]

Thanks for this video. When I recently asked extended family if they knew their rights it was so disappointing. They were even arguing for limiting free speech. We need more education because the schools aren't getting it done.

[MongooseReflexes]

This was explained very eloquently. It's sad to say it, but these need to be taught to all Americans!

[recoveringnewyorker]

It’s not that we are without the bill of rights. The problem is the government ignores the bill of rights at their convenience.

[tee]

🇺🇸 Thank you @Pragure U 🇺🇸. I learned to recite The Constitution, Bill of Rights as well some lessons from the Geneva Convention in grade 6 on to grade 8 .. as a military dependant . We also learned what it meant to be a diplomat and embassador to and for your country, the idea and mindset Back Then was that a parent served so then did we, it was very different back in the 1960s . As well we, including the teacher, recited the Pledge of Allegiance before class began . I the went on to serve this country in 1977 for some ( more ) years .. Fast Forward .. ummm 🤔 where have all the flowers 👶 🍃gone . My graduation song in 1976 was Mr Bobby Dylan .. 🎶 Times They Are A Changing 🎶 🕯️

[tmbarry]

If only they were followed in our so called Justice System. Especially the War on Drugs and Drug Users where the Bill of Rights is almost entirely ignored while judges go happily along

[jevinjensen]

Brilliantly written. I just wish the BoR had been crafted with so much redundancy that the politicians of today had a much harder time passing unconstitutional legislation.

[xendordawnburst]

Yes, a speedy trial... one or two years later!

[ZokomoTV]

I'm glad PragerU has gotten to this topic

[ndngirlever]

Prageru should be in all middle and school classes. Law education, us history, world history, any class that a teen takes to prepare them for life and teach them history.

[tjedwards]

The 5th amendment had language that we can use for protecting against red flag laws.

[rale_p]

Great video, thank you very much! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[HARDMASADA]

Here, a question I have had for some time. Why, if our rights come from "our creator, " were they placed as Amendments leaving open the chance, humans can remove them!

The explanation is very good. Through after living trough some of the most convoluted court decisions, it makes me wonder if the MARXIST have already thrown OUT the laws of the land?

The double jeopardy law has been circumvented. The State may prosecute and if they lose they'll request the Federal gov't try to convict you ~ so why isn't that double jeopardy? Two different jurisdiction ~ this I know but the crime is the same.

[nadinevalent]

we as a family read parts of the Constitution at our 4 th July gatherings

[tjedwards]

The 10th amendment should make each state very unique.

[keribere]

Since it’s finally that time of the year, happy holidays PragerU

[OkTxSheepLady]

It looks like the bill of rights is being ignored in regard to the political hostages of January 6. But how do we rectify the problem?

[TheRadioAteMyTV]

Is it too much to ask for those Bill of Rights to be upheld? Anyone over 16 can think of plenty of examples where they are ignored, pushed off and denied on a regular basis. The document is great, but its follow through is greatly lacking.