What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual liberties against government infringement. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution and serves as a safeguard for essential personal freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. It was established in response to concerns that the new federal government might overreach its powers and infringe upon the rights of individuals.

This emphasis on protecting individuals from potential governmental overreach is critical, as it ensures that certain fundamental rights remain inviolable, regardless of the whims of political power at any level. By explicitly enumerating these rights, the Bill of Rights provides a clear framework that limits governmental authority and reinforces the concept of individual liberty as a cornerstone of American democracy.

In contrast to the duties of the President or the powers of Congress, the Bill of Rights is specifically focused on the rights of citizens, demonstrating the importance placed on individual freedom in the American constitutional framework. While the structure of the federal government is addressed elsewhere in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights directly confronts the relationship between the government and the individual, highlighting the priority of personal liberties.