What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual freedoms and rights. It comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, specifically designed to safeguard citizens against potential government overreach and to ensure fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. By enumerating these rights, the Bill of Rights establishes a clear boundary between governmental power and individual civil liberties, thus empowering citizens and reinforcing the principles of democracy.

The other choices relate to aspects of the Constitution but do not capture the essence of the Bill of Rights. Outlining the powers of Congress refers to the primary structure and function of the legislative branch, while defining the structure of government pertains to the broader framework established by the Constitution as a whole. Establishing state powers, though important in the context of federalism, is not the main focus of the Bill of Rights, which is more concerned with protecting individual liberties rather than detailing governmental authority at any level.