Which statement describes what is included in the Bill of Rights and why it was added?

• A. The first ten amendments protecting individual rights; added to protect liberties and secure ratification.
• B. The first five amendments limiting free speech.
• C. The next ten amendments expanding voting rights.
• D. The tenth amendment establishing the separation of church and state.

Answer: (A)

The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual rights and limit the power of the federal government. They were added to reassure states and address fears that the new national government could threaten basic liberties, helping secure ratification of the Constitution. This is why the statement describing the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments protecting individual rights and being added to protect liberties and secure ratification is the best fit. It accurately reflects both what these amendments are and why they were included. The other options misstate what is included or the purpose: the first five amendments do not simply limit free speech, the “next ten” amendments did not constitute a block expanding voting rights, and the idea of separating church and state is associated with the First Amendment, not the Tenth.