What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights refers specifically to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were introduced to ensure fundamental rights and protections for individual citizens and to limit the powers of the federal government. Ratified in 1791, they cover essential liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms, among others. This foundational document plays a critical role in American law and government by safeguarding various civil liberties and ensuring due process. Understanding the Bill of Rights is crucial because it underscores the principles of democracy and individual freedom that are integral to the American legal system.