Actually, the Founders only considered political speech to be covered by the “freedom of speech” phraseology. The Founders never meant to cover just any speech at all. In fact, every single colony had speech codes and it has only been in the 20th century that “freedom of speech” was enlarged to cover all speech.
Originally, the Founders wanted to cover political speech so that we would have a free and open democracy that is controlled by the people and one where the government could not clamp down on the open expression of new political parties, groups, and advocates.
And, the Constitution was already ratified by the states way before the Amendments (including the Bill of Rights) was instituted. Many states said they ratified contingent upon the Bill of Rights being added later. But, it was still ratified, nonetheless. So, conceivably, we could have had the Constitution without the Bill of Rights ever coming about. After all, it was already done.
Originally, the Founders wanted to cover political speech so that we would have a free and open democracy that is controlled by the people and one where the government could not clamp down on the open expression of new political parties, groups, and advocates.
And, the Constitution was already ratified by the states way before the Amendments (including the Bill of Rights) was instituted. Many states said they ratified contingent upon the Bill of Rights being added later. But, it was still ratified, nonetheless. So, conceivably, we could have had the Constitution without the Bill of Rights ever coming about. After all, it was already done.
Thanks, MV.