What are the first 10 amendments called?

• A. The Constitution
• B. The Bill of Rights
• C. The Amendments
• D. The Preamble

Answer: (B)

The first ten amendments are called the Bill of Rights, a compact set added to the Constitution to protect basic freedoms and limit government power. Ratified in 1791, they spell out rights such as freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition; the right to keep and bear arms; protections against unreasonable searches and seizures; rights to due process, a speedy and public trial, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment; and other protections for individuals and for states. The name “Bill of Rights” specifically refers to these ten amendments, distinguishing them from the entire Constitution, which lays out the structure of government, or from any later amendments; the Preamble is merely an opening statement and doesn't enumerate rights.