Which of the following best describes the role of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights serves primarily to limit government power over citizens, ensuring that individual liberties are protected from potential government overreach. This first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution explicitly enumerate rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to bear arms, among others. By establishing these protections, the Bill of Rights acts as a safeguard for personal freedoms and civil liberties, thereby constraining the government from infringing upon the rights of individuals.

This answer highlights the essential function of the Bill of Rights in creating a check on governmental authority, which serves as a fundamental principle in a democratic society. The concern over government power was a significant motivation for its inclusion in the Constitution, reflecting the founders' commitment to protecting citizen rights against tyranny.