For Bill of Rights Day (December 15), we offer an explanation of how these first ten amendments came to be added to the Constitution. The first Congress drafted the Bill of Rights, and presented them for ratification to the states, for both principled and prudential reasons. Many of those who opposed ratification of the Constitution complained that it did not protect the rights of individual citizens and the prerogatives of the states.

Teaching American History is excited to announce the release of our latest core document volume, the second edition of Free Speech. Edited by Joseph Fornieri, this reader contains a collection of twenty-six landmark court cases, an introductory essay, case introductions, a thematic table of contents, study questions, glossary, and suggestions for further reading. Take a peek inside the volume below!

Sojourner Truth died 141 years ago today. Reports of her death had circulated decades earlier—along with inaccurate reports of speeches she made in support of abolition and women’s rights. A more accurate account of her words and deeds better demonstrates her powerful advocacy.