What are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution called?

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. This collection of amendments was introduced to guarantee essential rights and civil liberties to individuals, serving as a crucial framework for protecting personal freedoms against governmental power. The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791, largely in response to calls from the Anti-Federalists for more protection of individual rights.

The other options refer to different historical documents or aspects of American law and governance. The Constitution itself is the foundational legal document that outlines the structure and powers of the government, while the Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution before the current one was adopted, setting up a much weaker federal government. The Declaration of Independence declares the separation of the American colonies from British rule and is a separate historical document focused on autonomy and rights rather than amendments to the Constitution. Understanding these distinctions is vital for grasping the evolution of American governance and the protection of rights.