A foundational document in the United States, this enumeration of fundamental rights and liberties was added to the Constitution following its ratification. It guarantees protections against governmental overreach, ensuring individual freedoms. The inclusion of these amendments was a critical concession to Anti-Federalists, who feared a powerful central government lacking explicit safeguards for citizens.
Its significance lies in its role as a cornerstone of American democracy, safeguarding individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press. Its enactment addressed concerns about potential government tyranny and played a pivotal role in securing popular support for the new federal government. The protections afforded have been instrumental in shaping legal and social landscapes throughout American history, serving as a bulwark against governmental intrusion upon personal freedoms.