History glossary
Bill of Rights
the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting liberties such as speech, religion, and due process.
- Category
- Constitutional document
- Region
- United States
- Date range
- 1791
What it means
The U.S. Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Ratified in 1791, it answered fears that the new federal government might threaten individual liberties and state protections.
