What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights serves the crucial purpose of establishing rights for individuals. Ratified in 1791, these first ten amendments to the United States Constitution were created to protect the civil liberties of citizens from government overreach. They guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, the right to assemble, and the right to bear arms, among others. By explicitly listing these rights, the Bill of Rights ensures that individuals have recognized protections against potential abuses by the government.

The other options present varied aspects of governance but do not capture the essence of the Bill of Rights. While outlining government powers, defining state responsibilities, or creating a national bank may be important topics in the context of U.S. governance and economic policy, they do not pertain to the primary aim of the Bill of Rights, which is to safeguard individual freedoms and rights. Thus, the primary focus of this document is on protecting the rights and liberties of the people, making the chosen answer the most appropriate.