What is the main purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The main purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual liberties. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, and it was established primarily to ensure that certain fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals would be safeguarded from potential government infringement. This includes protections for freedom of speech, religion, assembly, the right to bear arms, and rights concerning legal proceedings, among others.

Understanding this purpose is crucial because it underscores the importance of civil liberties in a democratic society, reflecting the intent of the Founding Fathers to prevent the kind of government overreach they had experienced under British rule. By focusing on the protection of individual rights, the Bill of Rights served as a reassurance to those who feared that a strong federal government could lead to tyranny.

The other choices do not align with the primary goal of the Bill of Rights. While outlining the structure of government is fundamental to the Constitution itself, it is not the focus of the Bill of Rights. Establishing state laws and defining federal powers relate more to the broader framework of governance rather than the protection of specific personal freedoms, which is the essence of the Bill of Rights.