The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, serves as the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, aiming to guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms for individuals. Its primary purpose was to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties. The Bill of Rights includes essential protections, such as the freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms, as well as rights related to criminal proceedings. This foundational document has become a cornerstone in American constitutional law and civil rights advocacy.