What is the significance of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights is significant because it guarantees specific rights to citizens, serving as a cornerstone of American democracy. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution and was designed to protect individual liberties and limit the powers of the federal government.

These amendments ensure fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to a fair trial and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. By enshrining these rights, the Bill of Rights empowers citizens and sets a legal foundation for civil rights in the United States, reinforcing the principle that individual liberties are essential to a free society.

The other options focus on different aspects of government structure and responsibilities, such as the duties of the President, the powers of state governments, and checks and balances, which are not the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights. Rather, it specifically addresses the protection of individual rights, making that option the most fitting choice regarding its significance.