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During the period of the American Revolution and the subsequent ratification debate at the Constitutional Convention, the Founding Fathers of the United States attempted to create a system of government that was based on the creation of individual liberties and natural rights. The ratification debate was an important event in American history because both the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists argued over how to prevent the government from becoming tyrannical or oppressive in the future through the creation of a system of separation of powers. Indeed, the creation of three branches of government as well as the argument over the definition of the relationship between the individual states in the union and the federal government was prominent during the Constitutional Convention. However, it should also be noted that the rights of American citizens were also debated at the Constitutional Convention, which resulted in the Bill of Rights, a document that defined the individual liberties and freedoms enjoyed by Americans.
Indeed, the Bill of Rights should be considered as one of the most significant documents in the history of the United States because it defined the rights of American citizens. The Bill of Rights is a set of amendments to the constitution, which defines how American citizens are able to enjoy a number of personal freedoms including that of the freedom of speech and freedom of religion while the document also defines the right of Americans to bear arms (Bill of Rights Transcript Text). The first ten amendments detailed the basic freedoms that American citizens have enjoyed ever since this document was written. However, it should also be noted that these particular rights were not applied to slaves as they were thought of as property. The Founding Fathers of the United States were arguing for the creation of a democratic system of government while also defining the relationship between the states and the federal government. Furthermore, during the ratification debate the two main political groups, the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists argued over the role of the government and its place in the new country of the United States along with the freedom of its citizens. Indeed, a number of prominent Federalists, including James Madison argued that the country should become a republic to prevent one group from dominating or oppressing the others. One of the main problems with the Articles of Confederation was its failure to define the basic principles behind the creation of a government. In addition, arguments occurred over the role of the president and the judiciary along with a debate over the political rights of Americans. The failure to establish such rights and individual liberties was the main reason that the Bill of Rights was created.
Therefore, in conclusion the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights were successful in making a balance between the basic freedoms and liberties of American citizens as well as defining the role of the states and the federal government. These documents were successful because they created political rights for the people. However, slaves were not given these rights as they were not considered to be citizens, which led to conflict during the 19th century over the system of human slavery.
Works Cited
Bill of Rights Transcript Text. 15 December 1791. <http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html>.
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