What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual liberties. This collection of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution was ratified to ensure that certain fundamental rights of citizens are safeguarded against potential government infringement. These rights include freedoms such as speech, assembly, religion, and the right to bear arms, among others.

The Bill of Rights was created in response to concerns from the states and the public about the potential for government overreach and the abuse of power. By explicitly enumerating these protections, it reinforces the principle that individual rights are paramount and must be preserved in the face of governmental authority. This essential framework establishes a safeguard to ensure that the government does not infringe upon the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals.

In contrast, other options such as establishing government branches or outlining government responsibilities do not reflect the focused aim of the Bill of Rights, which is distinctly about securing personal liberties. Enumerating the powers of Congress, while an important aspect of governance, falls under different constitutional provisions and does not relate to the protective nature of the Bill of Rights.