What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, established to ensure the protection of individual liberties and rights against government infringement. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and include fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as rights related to criminal proceedings and the right to bear arms. Their inclusion in the Constitution was essential in addressing the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared a too-powerful federal government could overwhelm individual rights. This foundational document thus plays a crucial role in defining and safeguarding the rights of American citizens.

The other choices represent concepts that do not accurately describe the Bill of Rights. One option refers to a declaration of states' rights, which is unrelated to individual rights. Another choice mentions the preamble to the Constitution, which outlines the purposes of the Constitution but does not enumerate specific rights. Finally, there is a mention of congressional statutes, which are laws passed by Congress and are distinct from the constitutional amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.