What is known as the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. This term reflects the purpose of these amendments, which were designed to protect individual liberties and rights against potential government overreach. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights includes fundamental protections such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to a fair trial, among others.

Understanding the Bill of Rights is crucial as it establishes a framework that safeguards personal freedoms and shapes American law and societal norms. It serves as a foundational component of American democracy, emphasizing the importance of individual rights in the face of governmental power.