The Bill of Rights, passed in 1791, comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution and addresses the rights of Americans. It guarantees freedoms such as speech, religion, and the press, and ensures that criminal suspects are treated fairly. The Bill of Rights officially became law in 1791.

The First Amendment declares Americans’ fundamental freedoms: freedom of religion, speech, and the press. It guarantees the separation of church and state, prohibiting Congress from establishing a national religion or interfering with individuals’ religious choices. The First Amendment also protects the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government.

The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms.

The Third Amendment prohibits forcing citizens to house soldiers in peacetime.

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police must obtain a judge’s specific warrant, which must clearly describe the items sought and the location to be searched.

The Fifth Amendment requires that a grand jury review evidence before a person is tried for serious crimes. It prohibits double jeopardy and self-incrimination. It also states that no one can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and that the government must provide just compensation if it takes private property for public use.

The Sixth Amendment ensures that all accused persons receive a fair, speedy, and public trial by jury. Defendants must be informed of the charges, have the right to confront witnesses, and are entitled to legal counsel.

The Seventh Amendment guarantees the right to a jury in civil cases.

The Eighth Amendment forbids cruel and unusual punishment.

The Ninth Amendment protects other rights not specifically mentioned in the Constitution.

The Tenth Amendment stipulates that powers not granted to the federal government by the Constitution belong to the states or the people.

These ten amendments, passed in 1791, are crucial because they explicitly protect citizens’ rights and limit federal power. Many Anti-Federalists withdrew their opposition to the Constitution as a result.