The Bill of Rights: With Writings That Formed Its Foundation

by James Madison, George Mason

A guide to the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution, along with information about the history of each. Printed in two colors, this leatherette edition is the perfect gift for any American who cherishes his or her freedom. Format: 32 pages, HardcoverPublisher: Applewood Books (November 1, 2006) ISBN: 978-1557091512

56 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2008

About the author

For James Madison, Episcopal Bishop and president of the College of William & Mary, see https://www.goodreads.com/author/show....

James Madison, Jr. was an American politician and the fourth President of the United States (1809–1817), and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Madison was the last founding father to die. Considered to be the "Father of the Constitution", he was the principal author of the document. In 1788, he wrote over a third of the Federalist Papers, still the most influential commentary on the Constitution. As a leader in the first Congresses, he drafted many basic laws and was responsible for the first ten amendments to the Constitution (said to be based on the Virginia Declaration of Rights), and thus is also known as the "Father of the Bill of Rights". As a political theorist, Madison's most distinctive belief was that the new republic needed checks and balances to limit the powers of special interests, which Madison called factions. He believed very strongly that the new nation should fight against aristocracy and corruption and was deeply committed to creating mechanisms that would ensure republicanism in the United States.

As leader in the House of Representatives, Madison worked closely with President George Washington to organize the new federal government. Breaking with Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in 1791, Madison and Thomas Jefferson organized what they called the republican party (later called the Democratic-Republican Party) in opposition to key policies of the Federalists, especially the national bank and the Jay Treaty. He secretly co-authored, along with Thomas Jefferson, the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in 1798 to protest the Alien and Sedition Acts.

As Jefferson's Secretary of State (1801-1809), Madison supervised the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the nation's size, and sponsored the ill-fated Embargo Act of 1807. As president, he led the nation into the War of 1812 against Great Britain in order to protect the United States' economic rights. That conflict began poorly as Americans suffered defeat after defeat by smaller forces, but ended on a high note in 1815, with the Treaty of Ghent, after which a new spirit of nationalism swept the country. During and after the war, Madison reversed many of his positions. By 1815, he supported the creation of the second National Bank, a strong military, and a high tariff to protect the new factories opened during the war.

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a copy from the National Archives which is what it says but a bit more, as well. It actually includes a short introduction, the Bill of Rights, then James Madison's proposal to Congress on the Bill of Rights, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and Federalist No. 10. I wouldn't recommend this as much as the US Constitution, but it is still interesting reading. This offers some more insight into where the Bill of Rights came from and one source of inspiration for it. Because this is so short, it really is just a taste though. The book itself is nice and sturdy and goes well with the US Constitution from the National Archives, though. Again, if you want in-depth analysis look elsewhere, but if you want a nice looking copy this is a good option.

[Lauren]

Not going to rate this because, I mean…it’s the Bill of Rights. However, I actually did enjoy it, mostly Madison’s attempt at convincing the new government that these rights needed to be secured. Acknowledging the parallels to society today and subsequently the failures in guaranteeing the protection of these rights to many Americans was difficult.

I noticed these rights are given to “people” not “citizens” and I wonder what the legal ramifications of this are and how they apply to immigration policies.

[Jamesohn Bader · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, so many years after the fact. Good in the sense that it is always inspiring to read through the aspirations and desires of a young nation. Bad in the sense that so many years have passed it is a tough read - it feels so technical in nature.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decorative copy from the National Archives. I loved the additional writings, which included James Madison’s proposal for a bill of rights (excellent), the Virginia Declaration of Rights (by George Mason), and one of the Federalist papers. They were all very important writings and gave the background and reasoning behind the Bill of Rights. It’s worth getting this even if you have the Constitution because of the additional information.