What was the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights was to protect individual liberties. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were created to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared that the new Constitution did not sufficiently protect the rights of individuals against potential government overreach.

The amendments guarantee essential rights and freedoms, including the freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to a fair trial, among others. By enshrining these rights, the Bill of Rights serves as a fundamental safeguard for personal liberties and is central to American democracy.

Other options present subjects that do not relate directly to the Bill of Rights. For instance, establishing government elections or organizing state governments pertains to the structuring and functioning of government rather than individual liberties. Similarly, defining federal tax laws falls under legislative responsibilities rather than the protection of personal rights.