True History - Veritas Card #25 (Red Card) - The Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention - 1787

     The 13 colonies were gathered together under what was called, 'The Articles of Confederation' once the War was over. But the Articles of Confederation were very weak. The colonists needed something more adequate. So each of the colonies (except one) sent a delegate to Philadelphia in order to work on a new governing document. Two men in particular were there; George Washington and James Madison. Both men showed great wisdom, and James Madison also was the principal author of the Constitution.
   They wanted to come up with a workable plan that resembled the British system. They also wanted to limit the central government and protect property rights. So a plan was established in which the majority ruled, but the minority was treated with respect.
  Both the North and South came to agreement on certain ideas. Together they came to a compromise which resulted in the establishment of the three branches of government, which are the Judicial, executive, and legislative branches. Also, Congress was divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  Several states refused to sign the Constitution until the Bill of Rights was added. The Constitution gave government the right to levy and collect taxes. Also, given by the Constitution was the regulation for commerce between states and foreign countries. The colonies were also able to establish a currency system under the Constitution.

Here is a brief outline of the Bill of Rights:

Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion and Petition

Right to keep and bear arms

Conditions for quarters of soldiers

Right of search and seizure regulated

Provisons concerning prosecution

Right to a speedy trial, witnesses, etc.

Right to a trial by jury

Excessive bail, cruel punishment

Rule of construction of Constitution

Rights of the States under Constitution

Here is a copy of the first amendment:
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.


Many people think this amendment guarantees 'Separation of Church and State' but in reality, it has nothing to do with it. Rather, it guarantees that the government cannot establish a religion. It is interesting to note that the first amendment is used today to prohibit the very activities that our Founding Fathers themselves once encouraged under that same amendment. See book entitled, 'Separation of Church and State, What the Founders Meant' (David Barton).