What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights refers specifically to the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments were created to ensure the protection of individual liberties and to limit the powers of the federal government. The Bill of Rights addresses fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the rights of accused persons in criminal proceedings, among others.

This foundational document serves as a critical component in the American legal framework, reinforcing the importance of individual freedoms and protection from governmental abuse. The fact that it consists of ten explicit amendments makes the designation "Bill of Rights" both specific and meaningful as it directly relates to the enshrining of these key rights in the Constitution. Understanding this context helps in grasping the significance of the Bill of Rights in American history and law.