Which foundational document outlines the rights and freedoms of American citizens?

The Bill of Rights is the foundational document that specifically enumerates the rights and freedoms of American citizens. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and directly addresses individual liberties and protections against government overreach. These amendments cover essential rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the right to bear arms, and protections against unreasonable search and seizure, among others.

While the Declaration of Independence articulates the philosophical foundation of American democracy and asserts the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, it does not function as a legal document outlining specific rights. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the United States but lacked provisions for individual rights. The Constitution, as a broader framework for the government, establishes the structure of the U.S. government and its powers but does not detail specific rights until the Bill of Rights was added to it. Therefore, the Bill of Rights is the key document focused on safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens.