What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to ensure individual freedoms. This foundational set of ten amendments to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1791 and serves to protect the civil liberties of citizens against potential infringement by the government. These amendments guarantee essential rights such as freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to a fair trial, among others. By explicitly enumerating these rights, the Bill of Rights aims to limit governmental power and safeguard individual freedoms, thus fostering a democratic society where personal liberties are respected and upheld.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the primary intent of the Bill of Rights. Establishing the government structure is addressed in the main body of the Constitution, which outlines how the federal government operates. Defining state laws pertains to state constitutions and is separate from the federal protections outlined in the Bill of Rights. Similarly, outlining the duties of citizens is not the purpose of this document; rather, the focus is on protecting individual rights from governmental overreach.