On this day, December 15, in 1791, the United States Bill of Rights was ratified after the Virginia legislature gave its final approval. Written to prevent government overreach, this defining document has given Americans security in their rights and freedoms. History has proven that the foundational freedoms of our nation such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the right to bear arms would be in jeopardy without this document.

The Bill of Rights is truly a blessing to our nation. The rights that make the US the national leader in freedom are all found in this document. Thankfully, its author, James Madison, understood that individual rights could not be assumed or taken for granted; that must be clearly defined.