What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The purpose of the Bill of Rights is firmly rooted in the protection of individual rights. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were introduced to guarantee essential liberties and safeguard citizens from potential government overreach. Some of the core rights protected include freedoms of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to bear arms, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, self-incrimination, and excessive bail.

By establishing a clear set of rights that the government cannot infringe upon, the Bill of Rights serves as a crucial framework for American democracy, ensuring that personal freedoms are recognized and honored. This focus on individual rights and liberties is what differentiates the Bill of Rights from other constitutional elements that might define the government's organization, outline federal powers, or detail states' rights.