What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual liberties and rights from government infringement. This fundamental set of amendments was added to the Constitution to ensure that certain personal freedoms are explicitly safeguarded against potential government overreach. The first ten amendments address essential rights, including freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that citizens’ personal liberties are upheld in a diverse and dynamic society.

Focusing on individual rights serves as a critical check on governmental power, reflecting a foundational principle of American democracy. By enshrining specific freedoms and protections, the Bill of Rights aims to maintain a balance where the government does not interfere unduly in the lives of its citizens. Thus, the intention behind the Bill of Rights directly aligns with the aspirations for personal liberty and democracy that were pivotal during the founding of the United States.