Ten important amendments
It is considered that the first ten amendments are the most important for the US Constitution (Anastaplo 1995). I suppose that ‘Freedoms’ constitute the vital part of law which protects citizens and the state from unfair and discriminative practices. These rights are: “Freedom of Religion; Freedom of Press, Freedom of Speech; Freedom of Assembly; Separation of Church and State” (Anastaplo 1995, p. 47).
At the end of the 19th century, there was very little opportunity at the Constitutional Convention for Madison to support a bill of rights of the conventional sort. The Convention’s charge was to enlarge, not to restrict, the powers of the federal government. In order to conform with American public opinion favoring he most important rights of all, Madison proposed to insert in Article 1, Section 9, a long list of further exceptions to the power of the federal government.
These amendments were very important because Americans inherited the common law as a legacy to be used selectively, if at all. The Revolution freed Americans to make their own distinctive political culture, one consistent with their unique history and republican ideals. A firm belief that American’s time had come and it had been given the opportunity to regenerate the political world infused Madison’s conception of the separation of religion and politics. The secular sword and religious faith ought always to be kept separate so that each realm might flourish to the benefit of humanity (Anastaplo 1995).
Abolition Slavery and Granting Women a Right to Vote
Another important amendment was an abolition of slavery. According to the US Constitution, slavery was abolished under the 13 Amendment (December 18, 1865) which states that: ”Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime where of the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction” (Anastaplo 1995, p. 168). This amendment opened new opportunities for citizens and the state to create a democratic government and stable political system. Before this amendment, the “real difference of interests” lay not between the small and large states but between the northern and southern states, which were divided over slavery and its consequences.
Another important amendment (19th Amendment) granted women a right to vote. This amendment came into force in 1920, and states that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex” ” (Anastaplo 1995, p. 190).
Throughout American history women fought for freedom and equal rights with men. They expressed ideology held by most women around the world as they knew their sacrifices would be acknowledged and valued by future generations. Taking into account its significance, meaning, and impact on further generations of women, it is possible to say that it was the most important wave in American feminism movement because during this period of time women were recognized as a strong political force equal to men. The right to vote was constitutionally approved.
Conclusion
The 1, 13 and 19 Amendments were the most important for the American people because they could be compared with a “revolution” that changed the perception of the world and the role of American citizens in society and their relations with the state. These amendments opened great opportunities for different social classes in all spheres of social and political life. Today, individual freedom of Americans means much more than the absence of physical coercion but an equal social status and freedom. These amendments have changed the life and destiny of all American people and the political direction of domestic and foreign policy.
References
Anastaplo, G. (1995). The Amendments to the Constitution: A Commentary. The Johns Hopkins University Press.