(bright cheerful music) - [Narrator] Why did the father of the Bill of Rights initially oppose writing them?

James Madison proposed the first 17 amendments, 10 of which became the Bill of Rights.

They include the freedom of press, assembly, speech, religion, petition, and to bear arms.

It prohibits unfair trial, excessive bail, and unreasonable search and seizure.

During the country's founding, the founders believed in numerous inalienable rights.

And Madison worried that writing a list would limit the rights of the people.

After all, the Constitution doesn't have the power to take away those rights, so why write them down?

But his fellow delegates wouldn't ratify the Constitution without it.

So he created the 9th and 10th amendments, which state that the Constitution can't deny or disparage rights of the people.

And any powers not listed are reserved to the states or to the people.

Phew.

Nice save, Madison.