What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual liberties. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which were specifically designed to ensure that certain fundamental rights and freedoms are safeguarded from government infringement. These rights include freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government, as well as protections against unwarranted searches and seizures, self-incrimination, and cruel and unusual punishment.

The Bill of Rights serves as a crucial framework for safeguarding personal freedoms and serves as a check on governmental power, ensuring that individuals can enjoy their rights without undue interference. This focus on individual liberties was especially significant in the context of the historical debates surrounding the Constitution's ratification, where many feared that a strong federal government could threaten personal freedoms. The inclusion of the Bill of Rights addressed these concerns and reinforced the importance of protecting citizens' rights within the framework of the new government.