The Bill of Rights ~ In the summer of 1787, delegates from the 13 states convened in Philadelphia and drafted a remarkable blueprint for self-government -- the Constitution of the United States. The first draft set up a system of checks and balances that included a strong executive branch, a representative legislature and a federal judiciary. The Constitution was remarkable, but deeply flawed. For one thing, it did not include a specific declaration - or bill - of individual rights. The absence of a "bill of rights" turned out to be an obstacle to the Constitution''s ratification by the states. It would take four more years of intense debate before the new government''s form would be resolved. Eventually the Constitution''s framers heeded Thomas Jefferson who argued: "A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference." The American Bill of Rights, inspired by Jefferson and drafted by James Madison, was adopted, and in 1791 the Constitution''s first ten amendments became the law of the land. The United States Constitution ~ The United States Constitution is one of the two greatest documents ever penned by man, the other being the Declaration of Independence. Written principally by James Madison, the Constitution is the oldest written constitution still used by any nation. It serves as the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States. We proudly offer this framed and matted United States Constitution! This exact replica is printed on antique parchment paper set in a black matte, and distressed black frame made of solid wood, glass front. It will add character to any room... every Patriot''s home deserves a framed replica of the United States Constitution!