Beware the erosion of our constitutional rightsTo the Editor; Shortly after ratification of our Constitution in 1788, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, or Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791. To the Editor;Shortly after ratification of our Constitution in 1788, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, or Bill of Rights, were ratified in 1791. The First Amendment protects five rights: religion, speech, press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms. The Second Amendment may already be under attack from the government.