What fundamental principle is established by the Bill of Rights?

Study for the US History Regents Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, primarily establishes and protects individual rights and liberties. These amendments were introduced to ensure that certain fundamental rights of citizens are explicitly recognized and safeguarded against infringement by the government and other entities. This includes protections for freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly, as well as rights related to legal proceedings, such as the right to a fair trial and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The emphasis on individual rights is a cornerstone of democratic governance and reflects the framers' intention to limit the power of the federal government and to protect the personal freedoms of the people. This principle is foundational to the American legal system and has profound implications for civil rights and liberties in the United States.

While the other options may refer to significant concepts in U.S. history, they do not capture the essence of what the Bill of Rights was designed to achieve. National military control, judicial supremacy, and taxation without representation pertain to different historical contexts and issues that did not directly address the protection of individual liberties as emphasized in the Bill of Rights.

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