What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to enumerate the rights of citizens, ensuring that individual liberties are explicitly protected from government infringement. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which detail fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. By clearly outlining these rights, the Bill of Rights serves as a crucial safeguard for personal freedoms in the face of governmental power, reinforcing the notion that certain rights are inherent and cannot be taken away by the state. This focus on protecting individual liberties is a foundational aspect of American democracy and emphasizes the importance of limiting governmental authority to protect the rights of citizens.