What does the Bill of Rights include?

The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and were created to ensure the protection of individual liberties against potential government overreach. The Bill of Rights covers various rights, including freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, the rights of the accused, and other fundamental civil liberties that are vital in a democratic society.

The correct option emphasizes the foundational role these ten amendments play in delineating the rights of individuals and limiting governmental power, which is a critical component of constitutional law in the U.S. The other options reference different elements of U.S. foundational documents, such as the last ten amendments (which do not exist as a specific group), the Declaration of Independence (which outlines the colonies' break from Britain and does not contain amendments), and the preamble (which serves as an introduction to the Constitution without detailing specific rights). Understanding the significance of the Bill of Rights is essential in comprehending how individual rights have been structured and safeguarded throughout U.S. history.