In the context of the Bill of Rights, what is the primary purpose of these amendments?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual rights against government abuse. These first ten amendments to the United States Constitution were ratified to ensure that certain fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals are safeguarded from infringement by the federal government. This includes protections such as freedom of speech, religion, the right to bear arms, and the rights of the accused in criminal proceedings.

The Bill of Rights serves as a critical check on government power, establishing a framework that prioritizes the personal liberties of citizens. This is particularly important in a democracy, as it ensures that the government cannot overreach its authority and oppress the people.

The other options, while relevant to discussions about governmental structure and powers, do not accurately capture the essence of the Bill of Rights. For instance, outlining governmental powers relates more to the main body of the Constitution itself, rather than the amendments aimed at protecting individual liberties.