The Bill of Rights and key Constitutional Amendments form the cornerstone of American civil liberties, establishing fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens.
- The first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, protect essential individual freedoms including speech, religion, and due process
- James Madison took the lead in crafting the Bill of Rights following debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists
- Beyond the original ten, several crucial amendments expanded civil rights, including abolishing slavery and extending voting rights
- The RAPS mnemonic device helps remember the First Amendment freedoms: Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and Speech
- Later amendments addressed major social issues like women's suffrage, prohibition, and lowering the voting age
