It was the 4th July 1776 when 13 British cum American colonies liberated themselves from the shackles of slavery and promulgated independence from the British Empire. The most famous motto of the independence of United States was that all men are created equal and it was the creator that bestowed the unalienable rights. And among these, liberty, pursuance of happiness and life stand at front.
Do we know that how the constitution of America allows us to enjoy these rights?
Actually, the constitution prepared in September 17, 1787 did not speak over the rights of individuals. Rather, the purpose of making it was to place strong government in the wake of the failed Articles of Confederation and this was supposed to be top priority of the people sitting in the helms of affairs.
The constitution consists of 7 articles which address judicial power, legislative power, executive power, states’ power, federal power, ratification, and amendments.
Here are the 5 parts of constitution that safeguard our liberty and individual rights:
The Bill of Rights:
The bill of rights was the first 10 Constitutional Amendments in 1791 and it had been floated by the fourth president of United States James Madison in 1789.
The following are the salient features of this bill:
1. Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
2. Freedom of speech, press, religion and petition.
3. Protection from quartering of soldiers.
4. Right to trial by jury, speedy trial, public trial, counsel.
5. Right to due process of the law.
6. Protection of the powers of the states and the people.
7. Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
8. Protection of rights not enumerated in the Constitution.
9. Right to civil trial by jury.
10. Right to keep and bear arms
Amendment 14: Citizenship rights:
This amendment had been ratified in 1868 and it grants rights of citizenship to anyone born in the United States. The amendment also grants all fundamental rights to the citizen.
Amendment 15: Voting rights:
This amendment grants rights to all citizens to vote irrespective of cast and color and it was ratified in 1870.
Amendment 19: Woman’s voting rights:
This amendment grants right to citizens to vote irrespective of gender and sex and it was ratified in 1920.
Amendment 26: Voting age:
This amendment grants right to all citizens of 18 year or more “the right to vote” and it was ratified in 1971.
We should be highly thankful to forefathers for bringing such meaningful amendments. Despite the passage of 225 years, the constitution of United States continues to ensure the rights of freedom through democracy.
