In the years following the American Revolution, the Bill of Rights became a vital symbol in the American cultural landscape. Over time, it has gained significant importance, often seen as a foundational element of American democracy. However, during its creation, its role was perceived differently; it served primarily as a concluding statement to a broader effort to redefine the Revolution’s ideals on a national level.

Joseph J. Ellis highlights that for figures like James Madison, the Bill of Rights was not the central focus but rather a necessary appendage that rounded off the campaign to articulate a unified national identity post-Revolution. This perspective underscores the bill's historical context and its evolution into a revered component of American identity over the centuries.