What the Bill of Rights Protects
What does the Bill of Rights protect?
On the 2025 civics test, that question has a clear answer: the basic rights of Americans — and of people living in the United States. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It was added soon after the Constitution was ratified because many Americans wanted written guarantees that the new federal government could not take away fundamental freedoms.
Those early amendments cover freedoms that still show up throughout the civics test, including speech, religion, assembly, and the press; protections in the justice system such as due process and a fair trial; and limits on government power at home. Knowing what the Bill of Rights protects also helps with related questions: how many amendments the Constitution has today (twenty-seven), and how the Constitution can be changed through the amendment process.
Study these related questions
- Principles of American Government — includes What does the Bill of Rights protect? and How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have?
- Rights and Responsibilities — rights you exercise as a resident or citizen
- System of Government — how the branches of government are limited by law
Tip for test day: if you see “Bill of Rights,” think basic rights first — then connect it to the first ten amendments and the broader Constitution.