The Will of the People: Readings in American Democracy
Bill of Rights
Concern that the Constitution of 1789 did not sufficiently protect individual citizens from potential oppression by the new federal government led the first Congress of the United States to propose the 10 amendments now collectively known as the Bill of Rights. (Two other proposed amendments, which concerned the number of constituents for each representative and the compensation for members of Congress, were not ratified.) The Bill of Rights, ratified December 15, 1791, enumerates the most basic freedoms and rights of citizens of the United States, including the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to exercise religion, freedom of free assembly, and the rights to privacy, due process, and equality before the law.
Some of the liveliest debates in American democracy surround issues of individual freedoms. The articles below from The Christian Science Monitor archive address only some of the many contemporary issues surrounding the Bill of Rights. Their number and variety help illustrate how a democratic society evolves in reaction to changing political, economic, and social conditions, and in response to the changing sensibilities of its citizens.
Amendment I
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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, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Voucher Win's Ripple Effect on Faith Groups Jane Lampman
Key Win for School Vouchers Warren Richey and Gail Russell Chaddock
The ‘Choice’ of Vouchers Editorial
Religious Solicitors Free to Knock Warren Richey
Cross Burning: Free Speech? Editorial
Courts Roll Back Secrecy in War on Terror Seth Stern
Backlash Grows Against White House Secrecy Francine Kiefer
In a Small Ohio Town, a Fight Over the Right to Knock on Doors Warren Richey
Supreme Court Affirms Agents' Right to ‘Stop and Search’ Warren Richey
Political Dissent Can Bring Federal Agents to Door Kris Axtman
Security Concerns Drive Rise in Secrecy Brad Knickerbocker
The Pledge Flap: Let's Brush Up Our Civics Charles Haynes
Amendment II
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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.
Bush Loosens Restrictions on Guns Liz Marlantes
Unfit to Bear Arms Editorial
Democrats Tone Down Gun-Control Stance Liz Marlantes
Door No. 1: Muskets? Or Door No. 2: Free Speech?
Amendment III
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No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
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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, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Court Expands School Drug Tests Warren Richey
Searching Children's Bodies Editorial
Court Upholds Police Tactics in Searching Bus Riders Warren Richey
A Bus Ride Tests Limits of Police Searches Warren Richey
School Drug Testing Faces Test in Court Warren Richey
Supreme Court Affirms Agents' Right to ‘Stop and Search’ Warren Richey
Privacy Rights for Mothers Prevail in Drug-Test Ruling Warren Richey
Amendment V
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No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offenses to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; 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.
Court Confronts Issue of Treatment for Sex Offenders Warren Richey
Fight Over Treatment for Sex Offenders Kris Axtman
What is 'the Right to Remain Silent' and Will We Always Have It? Christine L. Compston
Sex-Crime Laws Draw More Flak Paul Van Slambrouck
…Elevates Public Safety Over Predators' Rights Robert Marquand
Amendment VI
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In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Dissenting Opinions as a Window on Future Rulings Warren Richey
Death-Penalty Ruling's Effect: New Laws, Trials Seth Stern and Jillian Lloyd
Court Rules on Death Sentences Warren Richey
Can Judges Alone Set Death Penalty? Warren Richey
Fragile Freedoms Peter Grier
For Now, Security Trumps Liberties Brad Knickerbocker
Amendment VII
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In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
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Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Death Penalty Evolution Editorial
Court Bars Executing Retarded Warren Richey
In Alabama, Prisoners Fight Being Shackled Warren Richey
Court Hears Death Penalty Case Warren Richey
‘Three Strikes’ Law: Is It Too-Cruel Punishment? Daniel B. Wood
Amendment IX
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The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
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The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
Amendment XI
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The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign state.
Shipping Case Shifts More Power to States Warren Richey
Terror Could Tilt High Court on States Rights Warren Richey
Power Tilts Further Toward States Warren Richey
Supreme Court Ruling Bolsters States' Rights Robert Marquand and Peter Grier