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The Magna Carta versus the Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights

Excerpt from the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution (transcript provided courtesy of the National Archives, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript).

"Amendment I
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…

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted".

The following questions refer to the excerpt from the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution. Enter your answers in the response box that follows.

  1.  The Bill of Rights is the name of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. Based on this excerpt, what do you think was the purpose for adding these amendments to the Constitution?
  2. Do the rights mentioned in the U.S. Constitution have any similarities with those mentioned in the Magna Carta or the English Bill of Rights? If so, what examples do you see?
  3. Whose rights is this document intended to protect? Give examples from the text that support your claim.
  4. Whose rights might not be protected by the Bill of Rights? Why?