A Bill of Rights Rejected. Summary and Analysis

On September 12, with the Philadelphia newspapers reporting that an adjournment is near, the Committee of Style is ready to present the proposed constitution to the Convention. Bowen says that, as expected, the assembly proceeds to "tear the plan apart." (p. 243)

George Mason, concerned that the plan gives too much power to the government, raises the possibility of including a bill of rights to place limits on the government. This is the first time such a thing is mentioned by name at the Convention, Bowen states, although Charles Pinckney had made a similar proposal in August that was dropped.

Some delegates respond that the bills of rights that are already in effect in most states will still be valid, so one is not required for the Constitution. Mason replies that the new Constitution will...