Civil Rights are the rights and privileges to which we are entitled under the laws that govern our nation. After the American Constitution was adopted, some states were concerned that it didn't spell out specific rights to which the new nation's citizens would be entitled. James Madison didn't think a Bill of Rights was necessary, but to keep the states from demanding another Constitutional Convention, he suggested including a bill of rights to amend the Constitution. He helped draft ten Amendments that would come to be known as the Bill of Rights. On December 15, 1791 these Amendments were ratified by three quarters of the states.

In 1941, to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed December 15 should be observed as Bill of Rights Day, with appropriate ceremonies to celebrate the civil rights guaranteed to all citizens by the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights addresses: 1) Freedom of assembly, press, religion and speech, 2) Right to keep and bear arms 3) Rights regarding the housing of soldiers 4) Regulation against unreasonable search and seizure 5) The right to due process and protection against self incrimination 6) Right of trial by jury with public defense if needed 7) right of jury trial in common law 8) Protection against excessive bail, and unusual punishment 9) Nothing in the Constitution can deny the rights of others 10) Granting power to states or to the people for issues not covered in the Constitution.

Bill of Rights Day is an opportunity to honor those who worked to help create an America where all Americans' civil rights are protected and to stand up for the continuing protection of our civil rights guaranteed in the Constitution.