What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791. These amendments were introduced to ensure certain fundamental rights and liberties for individuals, addressing the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared that a strong central government could infringe upon the rights of citizens. The amendments protect various civil liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and rights related to legal proceedings, among others.

This foundational document not only emphasizes the importance of individual rights but also serves as a crucial aspect of American legal and political culture, ensuring that citizens are afforded protections against government overreach. The presence of the Bill of Rights reassures citizens that their personal freedoms are enshrined in law, making it an essential element of the Constitution's framework.