But something was missing. In its original form, the US Constitution didn’t enumerate a Bill of Rights – a literal list of what those inalienable rights would include. That Bill of Rights, our first ten amendments, is to this day – with all due respect, Mr. Ellis – arguably our most important document. It’s what we fought for and still fight over: speech, religion, guns, due process, fair trials, protection from cruel and unusual punishment…

And so now, on the eve of America’s 250th birthday, WGN Radio presents The Ten (American) Commandments. With historian Clay Jenkinson, John Williams looks at the Bill of Rights. In a ten-part series, they discuss the strengths, weaknesses and challenges presented by this 235 year-old document.

Part 1 drops Monday, June 1, 2026.