What did the Bill of Rights encompass?

The Bill of Rights encompasses the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties. Ratified in 1791, these amendments were created to protect the rights of citizens against potential government overreach. They include fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, and rights of the accused, among others. The introduction of the Bill of Rights was a significant step in ensuring that the newly formed government would respect and uphold individual freedoms, thus addressing the concerns of many who feared that a strong federal government could infringe upon personal liberties. This emphasis on civil rights continues to play a critical role in American law and society.