27 Amendment Meaning

 Purpose: The modification forbids any legislation that alters the salary for members of Congress from becoming effective until after the subsequent election of Representatives has taken place. This seeks to avert Congress from awarding itself immediate salary increases without responsibility to voters. Historical Context: Initially suggested by James Madison in 1789 as part of a collection of twelve amendments, it was not ratified at that time. Only ten of the amendments were confirmed in 1791, becoming recognized as the Bill of Rights.

Bill Of Rights History

 The historical context of the Bill of Rights was shaped by preceding documents such as the Virginia Declaration of Rights and various state constitutions that highlighted personal freedoms. James Madison initially resisted a bill of rights but subsequently acknowledged its importance as a method to ensure ratification from doubtful states. The amendments were suggested as part of a compromise between Federalists who advocated for a robust central government and Anti-Federalists who desired enhanced safeguards for individual liberties.