Why did James Madison not like the Bill of Rights?
Asked by: Paris Jast | Last update: January 30, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (48 votes)
James Madison initially disliked the Bill of Rights because he thought it was unnecessary, believing the Constitution's structure provided sufficient protection, and potentially dangerous, fearing listing some rights might imply others weren't protected or that "parchment barriers" wouldn't stop tyranny. He worried that demanding a Bill of Rights would derail the Constitution's ratification, but eventually championed it to unite the country, acknowledging its political necessity and the strong desire for explicit guarantees of liberty.
What did James Madison think of the Bill of Rights?
Madison opposed a bill of rights because he thought that they were often just “parchment barriers” that overbearing majorities violated in the states. At this point, he thought “the amendments are a blemish.”
Why did James Madison think the Bill of Rights was unnecessary?
James Madison and other supporters of the Constitution argued that a bill of rights wasn't necessary because - “the government can only exert the powers specified by the Constitution.” But they agreed to consider adding amendments when ratification was in danger in the key state of Massachusetts.
Who disagreed with the Bill of Rights?
Federalists rejected the proposition that a bill of rights was needed. They made a clear distinction between the state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution.
Why did people not like the Bill of Rights?
They thought that adding a bill of rights to the Constitution was a bad idea not because they were against individual rights, but because they despaired of what might happen to any rights that were not specifically written out. But the Constitution's Anti-Federalist critics were not persuaded by such concerns.
Why wasn’t the Bill of Rights originally in the US Constitution? - James Coll
Who opposed the Bill of Rights and why?
The birth of the Bill of Rights was controversial: Anti-Federalists demanded a concise constitution, which clearly delineated the people's rights and the limitations of the power of government. Federalists opposed the inclusion of a bill of rights as unnecessary.
Who did not want a Bill of Rights?
The Federalists were people who favored a strong federal or national government. The Federalists felt a Bill of Rights was unnecessary.
Who convinced James Madison to write the Bill of Rights?
In this series of letters, Madison's friend Thomas Jefferson—abroad in France—urged Madison to support a Bill of Rights. Eventually, Madison did just that—leading the push for a Bill of Rights in the First Congress.
What two bills of rights were rejected?
We also know that the First and Second Amendments of the original 12 amendments were not officially ratified.
What was an argument against adding the Bill of Rights?
In response, supporters of the Constitution (“Federalists”) such as James Wilson argued that a bill of rights would be dangerous. Enumerating any rights, Wilson argued, might imply that all those not listed were surrendered.
Why was it difficult for Madison to get the Bill of Rights approved?
Getting the Bill of Rights approved in Congress was an immensely difficult task. When Madison introduced the amendments, he was appalled to find so many members of the House—including some of his own Federalist faction—were lukewarm or even hostile to a set of promises of personal freedom.
What did James Madison argue about the Constitution?
The absence of a Bill of Rights was the loudest and most effective criticism of it. Although he believed that individual rights were fully protected by the Constitution as it stood, Madison recognized that drafting a Bill of Rights was politically imperative.
How did James Madison feel about the Bill of Rights in the Constitution Quizlet?
How did James Madison feel about the Bill of Rights in the Constitution? He believed they were redundant and that the original Constitution would protect liberties.
What did James Madison believe in?
49, Madison eloquently explicated the idea of popular sovereignty by which “The people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived.” His essays also explained how a compound republic and ...
Which of these is a reason Madison doubts the usefulness of a Bill of Rights?
Madison doubted the usefulness of a bill of rights because he observed states ignoring rights written on paper in the past. He argued that specifying certain rights could imply that unlisted rights were unprotected, potentially leading to government tyranny.
What is one quote from the Bill of Rights?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What was the disagreement about the Bill of Rights?
Federalists called for immediate ratification of the Constitution without amendment, but their united front concealed differences of opinion: some thought a bill of rights an essential first order of business for the new Congress, some believed it unnecessary but harmless, and others thought it an evil to be avoided.
Who fought against the Bill of Rights?
James Madison opposed a bill of rights for different reasons. Unlike Hamilton, he did not consider it dangerous, but unnecessary. Madison believed the Constitution's separation of powers and federalism were sufficient protections, and above all, he feared that reopening debate could derail ratification altogether.
What is the forgotten amendment?
The Third Amendment to the United States Constitution is often referred to as the "forgotten amendment" due to its relative obscurity compared to other constitutional protections.
Why did Madison not want a Bill of Rights?
Madison was opposed to structural amendments since he perceived they would would undermine the operation of the Constitution. While campaigning for a seat in the US House of Representatives in the first federal congress, he promised to work to add amendments to the Constitution.
Was Madison against the Bill of Rights?
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Madison's decision to take a stand was the fact that he had spoken out against adding a bill of rights to the Constitution during the ratification struggle, and he seemed at best lukewarm toward the idea shortly thereafter.
Who opposed the bill of rights?
Federalists. Supporters of the Constitution, known as Federalists, opposed a bill of rights for much of the ratification period, in part because of the procedural uncertainties it would create.
Why was it difficult for Madison to get the bill of rights approved by Congress?
Along with his doubts about the necessity of a bill of rights, he also harbored misgivings about its workability. He was convinced that state legislatures would disregard the liberties guaranteed in such a bill whenever they decided to do so.
Was the bill of rights rejected?
In the end, 12 of the original amendments survived the congressional approval process. Enough states approved 10 of those 12 amendments to make the Bill of Rights a reality on December 15, 1791.