What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?

Prepare for the South Carolina US Citizenship Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. This foundational document was introduced to guarantee certain fundamental rights and liberties to individuals, such as the freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Bill of Rights serves to limit the powers of the federal government and ensure that specific civil rights are preserved for the people.

The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791 as part of an agreement to secure the Constitution's approval by addressing the concerns of Anti-Federalists, who feared that the new national government would threaten individual liberties. This collection of amendments remains a cornerstone of American democracy, reflecting the principle that certain rights are inherent and must be explicitly protected.

Other options do not correctly refer to the first 10 amendments. The Articles of Confederation were the original governing document for the United States prior to the Constitution, and while it outlined the structure of government, it did not include amendments protecting individual rights. The Declaration of Rights is not a recognized term in the context of the U.S. Constitution, and although the term "Constitutional Amendments" could refer to any changes made to the Constitution over time, it does not specifically name the first 10 amendments

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