Evolution of Individual Rights Prior to the Constitutional Convention

Evolution of Individual Rights Prior to the Constitutional Convention

Religious freedom is one main reason for the founding of our country. The concept of ideological and religious freedom remains as strong today as it was at the time of the founding of the United States. The founding fathers left their homelands for a country, which promised freedoms well beyond those, available to the masses during the times of early U.S. immigration. Representatives at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (1787) intentionally avoided making strong statements regarding religion due to a firm belief that religious provisions were unnecessary to preserve religious liberty. This omission was not taken lightly by six states, who went on to propose amendments guaranteeing religious freedom. In fact, two states refused to ratify the document until a Bill of Rights, including religious freedom, was adopted. In 1789, a compilation of modifications and amendments were assembled, which included the statements we collectively call the First Amendment to the United States Constitution (Alexander and Alexander, 1998).

The pertinent section of the First Amendment that refers to religion simply states: "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."