Category: American Government
The Bill of Rights — the first ten amendments to the Constitution — protects the basic rights of Americans and people living in the United States.
These protections include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches, the right to a fair trial, and more. They were added in 1791 because many states refused to ratify the Constitution without guarantees of individual rights.
The Bill of Rights limits what the government can do to individuals. For example, the government cannot establish an official religion, cannot silence free speech, and cannot search your home without a warrant.
Say: 'The basic rights of Americans' or 'the rights of people living in the United States.'
Test yourself with our free quiz simulator and interactive flashcards — the same official questions, timed like the real interview.