How to Read the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights, or first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guarantees rights such as freedom of speech, due process, trial by jury and other liberties not specifically set forth in the first eight amendments. The Constitution expanded upon the first ten amendments; but read the Bill of Rights to learn about the rights first established by the authors of the Constitution at this time in history. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Read the Bill of Rights online. Visit the National Archives website, and from the "Explore and Interact" menu, click on "National Archives Experience." Select "Charters of Freedom" from the menu at the top and then choose "Bill of Rights."
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Read this text version of the Bill of Rights. Carefully analyze and reflect on every word. Most people feel the First Amendment is the most important as it guarantees the freedom of religion, speech and press. Consider how you use each of the rights and freedoms outlined. See the related eHow article titled, "How to Understand the Bill of Rights."
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Download high resolution scans of the Constitution to see the original document. From the National Archives website, click on "Download High Resolution Images." Select "Download This File" and choose either to download the scan to your hard drive or open it. The original document will be more challenging than the text version, but you'll feel a greater connection to the members of the Constitutional Convention and the freedoms they designated for citizens.
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Visit the National Archives in Washington D.C. to view the Bill of Rights in person. While you are there check out the Declaration of Independence and the rest of the Constitution.
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Buy a quality reproduction of the Bill of Rights so you have your own copy. Display the Bill of Rights on a wall in your home office or just keep it around so you can read it any time you wish.
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