Bill of rights
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights (/bɪl ɒv raɪts/) is a pivotal document in the history of constitutional law and human rights.
Etymology
The term "Bill of Rights" originates from the historical English Bill of Rights of 1689, which established certain constitutional rights for individuals and limited the powers of the monarch.
Definition
The Bill of Rights generally refers to a statement of fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly in a constitutional context. It is often used to refer to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments outline specific prohibitions on governmental power, effectively safeguarding individual liberties.
Related Terms
- Constitution: A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.
- Amendment: A minor change or addition designed to improve a text, piece of legislation, or system.
- Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, often held to include the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equality before the law.
- Civil Liberties: Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental or other interference.
See Also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.