What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

• A. Define federal powers
• B. Enumerate personal liberties
• C. Describe state relations
• D. Articulate government structure

Answer: (B)

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to enumerate personal liberties that protect individual freedoms from government infringement. Ratified in 1791, these first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution specifically safeguard essential rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the rights to bear arms and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. By explicitly stating these rights, the Bill of Rights serves to limit the powers of the federal government and ensure that individual liberties are respected and preserved.

This focus on personal liberties was a response to concerns raised during the Constitution's ratification process, where many feared that a strong central government could threaten the rights of individuals. The Bill of Rights addresses these fears by clearly delineating what the government cannot do, thus serving as a critical foundation for individual rights in the United States.