What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights is specifically defined as the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and were introduced to ensure the protection of individual liberties and provide limits on government power. The Bill of Rights includes fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, the right to a fair trial, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, among others.

This collection of amendments was pivotal in addressing the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared that the original Constitution did not sufficiently protect citizens' rights. Therefore, the Bill of Rights serves as a cornerstone of American democracy, ensuring legal protections for individuals and reinforcing the principles of limited government and personal freedoms.