What are the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights refers to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and serve to protect various individual liberties and rights from government infringement. They outline fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to bear arms, among others. By clearly enumerating these rights, the Bill of Rights ensures that the federal government respects the personal freedoms of individuals and limits its own power in matters affecting those rights. This foundational aspect of American law is crucial for understanding the legal protections afforded to citizens.

The other options refer to different legal or historical contexts. The declaration of independence is a separate document that established the colonies’ independence from Britain, while legal guidelines for state governance pertain to state constitutions and laws, and the rules for international law involve treaties and agreements between nations.