Why Madison Proposed a Bill of Rights

Begin with the Madison sheet for the background, then use the duties sheet to talk about citizens. Give the religious liberty sheet as a writing task.

Trace why Madison came to back amendments, from Jefferson's 1787 letter to his June 1789 speech. The directions on the page read: Read the background, Excerpts A and B and the glossary. Then turn to page 2. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Madison first doubted one was needed and called bills of rights parchment barriers. In the race for the first Congress he promised voters he would support amendments, and on June 8, 1789, he proposed them in the House.

A legal duty is something the law requires, such as serving on a jury when summoned, and failing to do it can bring a penalty. A civic responsibility is something a citizen chooses to do to help the community, such as joining a fire company.

It uses five source cards from 1786 to 1791, including the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and the 1790 letters between Moses Seixas and George Washington. Students plan and write an argument with a counterclaim.