What are the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution collectively called?

The first ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. This set of amendments was introduced to ensure certain fundamental rights and protections for individuals against governmental overreach. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights addresses important freedoms related to speech, religion, assembly, and the rights of the accused, among others.

Understanding this term is crucial, as it signifies the foundational protections that define American democracy and reflect the framers' intent to safeguard individual liberties. The other options do not accurately describe this critical component of the Constitution. The "Constitutional Guidelines" and "Amendment Rights Act" are not formal terms recognized in U.S. legal or historical context, while the "Declaration of Independence" refers to a different historical document that proclaimed the thirteen colonies' independence from Britain but does not include the amendments to the Constitution. Therefore, recognizing the first ten amendments as the Bill of Rights is essential in grasping the core legal protections provided to citizens.