The Bill of Rights
Published: September 8, 2026The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and protect individual rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the right to a fair trial. The Bill of Rights also limits federal power by protecting individuals from certain government actions.
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Vocabulary
Ratified
Officially approving or accepting, making something legally valid.
11 states had to vote to ratify, or accept, the Bill of Rights. Virginia was the 11th state to ratify in 1791, which officially added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
Amendments
An official change or addition to a law or legal document.
The Bill of Rights is considered the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Congress can propose amendments, but the states must ratify them. So far, there are 27 different amendments.
Images and Transcript Courtesy of the National Archives