With just 45 words the founders guaranteed five — no six — basic freedoms, fundamental American 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. This Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, was ratified to protect freedom, to ensure liberty and to define the Republic. These fundamental rights of freedom declare what it means to be an American. As Americans, we are ...