The Bill of Rights mainly declares the civil rights and freedoms that American citizens are entitled to including the ones we hold most dear including freedom of religion, of speech, and of press. Others, like the right to a speedy trial, have also become part of the fabric of the American psyche. The document has no stated author but James Madison is credited with at least partial authorship. Document 3: Benjamin Banneker to Thomas Jefferson (1791)

Benjamin Banneker was one of the first African-Americans who was recognized as more than a slave. In this letter, he disparages slavery by pointing out to his reader that the institution...

Although his letter is compelling, it would not be for another century until slavery was abolished and even then, half-heartedly. The stated audience for the document is just one man: Thomas Jefferson.
Document 4: A Republican Broadside (1796)

This document reflects the budding rift in party politics that developed during the early years of the nation. Written as a public pamphlet, the document contains blatant political propaganda in favor of the new Republican party. It therefore presages the face of American politics for the next several centuries.