What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and were designed to protect individual liberties and rights from government infringement. They include fundamental protections such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and rights related to criminal proceedings, among others.

The term "Bill of Rights" captures the essence of these amendments as a formal declaration of the rights that are guaranteed to the people, highlighting the framers' intent to ensure that certain personal freedoms would be preserved in the new governance structure established by the Constitution. Understanding the significance of these amendments is key to grasping the foundational principles of American democracy and the relationship between citizens and their government.