What does the Bill of Rights primarily safeguard?

The Bill of Rights primarily safeguards individual liberties. Ratified in 1791, these first ten amendments to the United States Constitution were created to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals from government overreach. The amendments include essential protections such as the freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, the right to a fair trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. These rights ensure that individuals have the necessary freedoms to express themselves, practice their religion, and defend themselves in court, among other personal liberties.

The focus on individual rights in the Bill of Rights was a direct response to concerns that a strong central government could infringe upon the personal freedoms of citizens. This emphasis on individual liberties reflects the foundational principles of personal autonomy and the belief in protecting citizens from potential abuses of government power.