The Bill of Rights also known as the First Ten Amendments to the Constitution were ratified by the states on December 15, 1791
The states having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added…hence the Ten Amendments were added.
Ratification of the first Ten Amendment was dependent on states’ powers being protected.
Many of our founders felt it imperative that written assurance was provided which allowed people to self-govern at the lowest level possible being closer to local legislatures than they would ever be to their federal or general government.
By including the 10th Amendment those concerned with federal tyranny were calmed in their concern since anything the federal government attempted to legislate beyond the Constitutional limits of Congress authority would be classified usurpation of state sovereignty and Constitutionally illegal.
cross-posted from the Minnesota Tenth Amendment Center
- We the People are the natural guardians. - February 16, 2011
- Governor signs Obamacare Medicaid Expansion in Minnesota - January 6, 2011
- In Minnesota…A Solution or A Continuing Problem - December 3, 2010