Dbq Essay On The Bill Of Rights

Our founding fathers, historians, and regular people have worked hard, fought valiantly, and died to create the country that hundreds of millions of people live in today. People, like George Washington, helped to sculpt a brand new, unprecedented democracy that allows Americans to live freely and happily. When someone is lucky enough to be an American, it means that they are part of a country where they are free, where they have rights and responsibilities as US Citizens, and where they know when to be a leader and when to be a follower.
Most countries in the world do not have the same freedom that America has. Two hundred and forty one years ago, when the Declaration of Independence was signed and adopted, so was a new, free country. Since

being freed from Britain, America has started abolishing the system within a monarchy they were a part of. They wanted to make sure that "all men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness". (The Declaration of Independence) This document put onto paper and into law all of the rights they believed they should have.

The leaders of our country made a government full of checks and balances so they did not become the constricting, dictating monarchy they fought so hard to separate themselves from. They gave the people a voice; the people had power and they used it. Citizens are able to vote, and have some say in who gets to be the leader of their country and what happens to the country they live in. Documents were published since the beginning of the nation to ensure that everyone was equal and aware of their rights. In 1791, the Bill Of Rights, the first 10 amendments of the constitution, was ratified. The Bill of Rights are some of the most simple and obvious rights citizens have, but not all of them. To be an American means that one has the freedom and rights that most countries do not. Since America is a democracy, the people have a say, and that is because of the Bill of Rights. This stated that there was 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.” (Bill of Rights) America is different and better that

many countries for allowing freedom of press and speech. In the District of Columbia (D.C.), there is a museum called the Newseum which celebrates the freedom of speech and press in the United States. Currently, they have an exhibit about 14 journalists who died because they were reporting the news in 11 different countries that did not have the freedom of press. (Newseum) America is different than these countries that do not allow news to be shared so easily. To be American is being lucky enough to be free in more ways than one can count.
Since ever becoming a free country, America has had its ups and downs. We fought in many wars and worked out kinks in the new government. As a citizen, one has many rights including marrying whomever they would like, living where they want, being able to vote for the leader of our country, getting a good education, and more. Every person in America is different because they have the rights to be who they want. They can believe in any religion, have any skin color, and each gender, and all have the same rights. America is known as the country full of opportunities; thousands of people have come here from all over the world for a new beginning and for freedom. But Americans also have responsibilities and shoes they have to fill. Americans have to be loyal to their country and defend its honor. Americans have to work, not just for themselves, and some go to defend their country physically by joining the Armed Forces. In the past, Americans were drafted into the army, but nowadays they have the choice to join or not. George Washington once said, “Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.” (Founding Father Quotes) As an American, one has something to fight for. They have to fight for their free life in a country that allows them to live to their fullest potential. Also, Americans have to pay taxes on many things, even though they were so outraged at the thought in the past. A major responsibility of an American is defending and honoring the constitution. Obeying the laws is a huge obligation that keeps the country and its citizens in order. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.” The original document that was written by James Madison, doesn’t meet the same needs as the people of the 21st century. The Constitution has been amended, altered, and changed for the better as our country and its people have changed. (Constitution) The Constitution keeps the country at peace and united if everyone follows it, as Americans should. (Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln) Respecting everyone in the country, no matter what, is what keeps everyone equal, so that no one has a higher importance in America. When the colonists first settled into America, they were invading the Indians space. At first, they respected them,and they shared food and knowledge. But once the respect was broken, chaos started, and the French Indian War began. (French and Indian War) This is just one example of many times when respect was broken during the United States’ history. Another huge responsibility of being an American, is not being ignorant. Americans should be knowledgeable about what is happening in the world and what is right and wrong. Americans have rights and responsibilities that work together to keep a balanced country.
The democracy that people are so proud to be a part of started with one, huge, selfless act.

George Washington, the first president of America, made unprecedented decisions that changed the future of the country. Before gaining its independence, America was enslaved to Britain. Two million people lived under a monarchy, prior to George Washington stepping up and turning his country into a democracy unexpectedly. He was a true leader, one that understood what was wrong and right for his country. Washington was unanimously elected as the first president and every decision he made set a stepping stone for leaders yet to come. Washington only serving two terms and retiring after was one of the best decisions he ever made as president. (270 To Win) If he had not resigned and kept on serving, the country might have followed in Britain’s footsteps into a monarchy, and the citizens wouldn’t have a say or voice like they do now. Washington was an amazing leader and set an example for the American people to follow. To be an American is to know when to lead and when to follow, and Washington did an amazing job of that. Another example of being a leader at the right time is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln saw that the country was dividing during the 1860’s and led the country back together and united them as president. (Civil War) Americans are different from other countries that are monarchies or dictatorships. There, the leader is the leader and everyone else just follows them. In America,

George Washington made the decision to have a democracy, he gave the people power as well. Americans are both leaders and followers, which led to the balanced, working government. Another thing that makes Americans themselves, is standing up for what is right. Americans are known for their pride. Washington once said that, “Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.” (George Washington Quotes) Americans are hard to keep quiet, especially when they are passionate. During World War 2, America saw that what Germany was doing was wrong, and they stepped up. America honors all of the fallen soldiers during World War 2, the people who risked and gave their lives to saving millions of people who died. Iwo Jima, Arlington Cemetery, and the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers celebrates and honors their lives. (Marine Corps Memorial) These men and women died passionately fighting for their country and their rights. Being American is having the sense of what is right and wrong, and knowing when to be a leader.
For over two hundred years, people have been leading and forming the American legacy. America is known for its pride and loyalty to its country. Our founders and leaders have set standards and paths for Americans to follow in, and they set the bar high. Many people come over to the “Land of The Free” for a reason, and it is to be American. Being an American is to be lucky enough to be free, have rights and responsibilities, and knowing when to be a leader and a follower.