What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution collectively known as?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. This term reflects the intent to guarantee certain fundamental rights and freedoms to individuals, limiting the power of the federal government and ensuring the protection of civil liberties. The Bill of Rights was introduced in response to calls from the Anti-Federalists for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties.

The significance of the Bill of Rights lies in its role in establishing essential protections, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. By incorporating these amendments, the framers of the Constitution aimed to address concerns about potential governmental overreach and to safeguard personal freedoms.

In contrast, the Constitution as a whole encompasses all articles and amendments, not just the first ten. The Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document of the United States prior to the Constitution and are not related to the amendments at hand. The Preamble, on the other hand, introduces the Constitution and outlines its purpose but does not contain any amendments. This background highlights why the Bill of Rights is the correct answer, as it specifically refers to the first ten amendments that protect individual rights.