Skip to Main Content

Educator Hub
Explore our wide range of educator resources
Resource Types
High School US History Resources
High School Government Resources
Middle School Resources
Elementary Resources
Categories
We Teach Civics
Each of our resources is free, scholar reviewed, and easy to implement. Browse our full collection by subject, grade-level, era, or term.
Explore All of Our Resources
Student Hub
Learn and grow with the Bill of Rights Institute
Video Resources
Homework Help Videos
Supreme Court Case Overview Videos
AP Gov Required Cases Videos
Resource Types
MyImpact Challenge
Showcase your service project for a chance to win $10,000! MyImpact Challenge accepts projects that are charitable, government intiatives, or entrepreneurial in nature. Open to students aged 13-19.
Find out More
Invest In Our Future
Learn how to become a corporate partner with BRI
Partner with Us
In-Kind Donations
Contact Us
Help give students the civic education they deserve
Make the most immediate impact through a gift to BRI today to promote freedom and opportunity for students and teachers across America.
Learn how you can support our work
About BRI
The Bill of Rights Institute teaches civics. We equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society.
Board and Staff
BRI Blog
FAQs
Statement of Academic Integrity
Join Our Team
Request Professional Development
Financial and Transparency
Press Information
Contact Us
Data Compliance
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
About Us
We seek an America where we more perfectly realize the promise of liberty and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence. This calls for civic education that helps students examine the story of our country and exercise the skills of citizenship.
Learn More

Origins and Purposes of the Bill of Rights | BRI’s Homework Help Series

Description
Transcript

Why did the Founders see the need to create a Bill of Rights in addition to the US Constitution? What historical documents and events influenced them as they drafted it? The Virginia Declaration of Rights written by James Madison, the Magna Carta, the Petition of Rights, the English Bill of Rights, and the Massachusetts Body of Liberties.

The Founders included both concepts of democracy and republic in the blueprint for American government. Democracy protected majority rule whereas the idea of a republic protected individual citizens. The Bill of Rights was an important addition to the Constitution because it helped to guarantee individual rights. As a fluid document, inclusions to the Bill of Rights like the 14th Amendment brought the idea of incorporation, the process of states being held liable to uphold the Bill of Rights on the state level.

This latest installment in our Homework Help series explores these important constitutional questions.

Related Resources

BRI’s Homework Help Series Video Playlist

Short, classroom ready videos covering U.S. History, Government, and Civics topics.

Educator Resource

Origins and Purposes of the Bill of Rights Viewing Guide

A viewing guide for our Origins and Purposes of the Bill of Rights video.

Bill of Rights: The 1st Ten Amendments

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. James Madison wrote the amendments, which list specific prohibitions on governmental power, in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties.

What Are the Origins of the Bill of Rights?

4 Activities60 Min

How did the the events and philosophies from British and colonial history shape the Founders' ideas about natural rights as well as the rights of Englishmen? How do these rights affect our daily lives in a free society?