What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual freedoms. This foundational series of amendments to the United States Constitution was introduced to safeguard the rights of citizens against potential overreach by the federal government. The Bill of Rights encompasses essential liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as rights related to due process and criminal proceedings. By explicitly listing these rights, the Bill of Rights serves as a critical check on government power, ensuring that individual freedoms are respected and preserved.

The other options do not align with the purpose of the Bill of Rights. Outlining government powers pertains more to the structure and authority established by the Constitution itself rather than focusing on individual rights. Establishing tax regulations is a function of legislative activity, not the intent of the Bill of Rights. Finally, defining state boundaries is unrelated to individual freedoms and is a matter dealt with through other legal frameworks and agreements.