What does the Bill of Rights protect?

• A. Individual rights and liberties from government overreach.
• B. The power of the Presidency
• C. The rights of states to secede
• D. The plus rights of international law

Answer: (A)

At its heart, the Bill of Rights is about limiting the federal government's authority and safeguarding individual freedoms from government intrusion. It protects fundamental liberties—the rights to speak, worship, press, assemble, and petition; guarantees in criminal cases such as due process and a speedy, public trial; protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. It also affirms that people retain rights beyond what is listed and that state powers are reserved to the states. Because these provisions are designed to curb government power and shield individuals, the Bill of Rights best describes protecting individual rights and liberties from government overreach. It does not primarily grant presidential power, authorize secession, or create rights under international law.