What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. This essential part of the Constitution was created to ensure the protection of individual liberties and to limit the powers of the federal government. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights enumerates specific rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and various legal protections.

The term "Bill of Rights" highlights its purpose—it is a formal declaration of the rights of citizens and serves as a safeguard against potential government overreach. Understanding the Bill of Rights is crucial for appreciating the foundational values of American democracy and the principles of individual freedoms.

In contrast, the Articles of Confederation refer to the original agreement that set up the first framework for a national government, which was later replaced by the current Constitution. The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution outlining its purposes, while the Declaration of Independence is a separate document declaring the American colonies' freedom from British rule and does not contain amendments. Hence, recognizing the Bill of Rights as the answer is critical in this civic understanding.