What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the Alabama Civics Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to limit government power over individuals. This foundational document, consisting of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was created to protect the personal freedoms and rights of citizens from potential government overreach. By explicitly stating what the government cannot do, such as infringing on freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to bear arms, the Bill of Rights ensures that individual liberties are safeguarded against legislative actions and executive actions.

The other options, while related to different aspects of governance, do not capture the essence of the Bill of Rights. Outlining governmental structure pertains more to the overall Constitution and the way that government functions. Establishing voting rights relates to amendments that specifically address electoral processes, but this is not the primary focus of the Bill of Rights. Defining state boundaries does not connect to the Bill of Rights at all and deals with geographical and jurisdictional aspects rather than individual rights or freedoms. Thus, the emphasis on limiting government power clearly distinguishes the appropriate answer.