Final answer:
The rights and freedoms the colonists fought for were based on their entitlements as English citizens, and these were foundational in the writing of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. They sought protections for 'life, liberty and property' along with safeguards against unfair treatment by the British Crown. These ideas were realized in their own governing documents, which flourished with principles of liberty and natural rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rights and freedoms the colonists fought for and that were reflected in the Constitution and Bill of Rights involved several key concepts stemming from the perceived abuses of the British crown. Colonists believed they were entitled to the same rights as Englishmen, which included protection under the law, the ability to petition the king, and entitlements to "life, liberty and property" as stated in the 1689 Bill of Rights and Act of Religious Toleration.
Upon declaring independence, the colonies crafted their own constitutions with these rights at the forefront. The resulting U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights primarily aim to protect the liberties colonists felt were violated by the British government. This included safeguards like the freedom of speech, rights to a fair trial, and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
The framers of the Constitution wanted to ensure that the new government respected the colonists' rights, while also maintaining the cherished aspects of English law, leading to a blend of British legacy and revolutionary principles. Liberty, defined as the freedom to live as you would like within the confines of the law and with respect for the rights of others, was a major goal of the American Revolution and the ensuing governmental design.