The primary motivation behind the establishment of the U.S. Bill of Rights was to safeguard individual liberties and ensure a check on governmental power. Following the ratification of the Constitution in 1788, many citizens and influential figures, including the Anti-Federalists, expressed concerns over the lack of explicit protections for personal freedoms. In response, James Madison, initially skeptical, spearheaded the drafting of the Bill of Rights to enhance the Constitution and address these concerns. Ratified in 1791, it comprises the first ten amendments, guaranteeing fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and forming a crucial part of American democratic ideals.