Historical PerspectiveThe United States was founded by men and women, colonists, who came in search of religious freedom from the persecution of Europe. The colonist consisted of Puritans, Quakers, and Catholics. Men and women alike desired to assemble a government that would pledge to the people that religious freedom could be observed and practiced without apprehension of persecution. Ratifying conventions advocated that an amendment assuring religious freedom be included to the constitution. However, it was not until after the ratification debate that Anti-federalists ordered that religious freedom be protected. James Madison, one of the descendants of the founding colonies and the Secretary of State, became significantly involved in the execution of writing the Bill of Rights to protect religious diversity. |