What was the original intent of the Bill of Rights?

The original intent of the Bill of Rights was to protect individual liberties from government infringement. When the Constitution was first ratified, there was significant concern among the states and their citizens about the potential for the federal government to become too powerful and infringe upon the rights of individuals. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was introduced to explicitly enumerate and safeguard these rights, ensuring that essential personal freedoms such as speech, religion, and the right to bear arms would not be violated by the government.

The framers recognized the importance of limiting government power to protect fundamental liberties, which was a major factor in its adoption. By outlining specific rights that the government must respect, the Bill of Rights serves as a crucial check on federal authority and reinforces the principle of individual rights being inherent and inviolable. This foundational concept is critical for understanding the philosophy behind the American system of governance and civil liberties.