What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. This term specifically refers to the set of amendments ratified in 1791 that were designed to protect individual liberties and rights from government infringement. They include fundamental rights such as the freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Bill of Rights was introduced to address concerns raised by Anti-Federalists during the ratification debates, who feared that a strong central government might overlook or undermine the essential rights of individuals. By clearly enumerating these rights, the Bill of Rights serves a crucial function in American democracy, ensuring that citizens have a defined set of freedoms that the government cannot violate.

Other options presented do not pertain to the first ten amendments: The Articles of Confederation were the original governing document of the United States prior to the Constitution, outlining a decentralized system of government. The Civil Rights Amendments typically refer to the amendments aimed at ensuring civil rights, particularly the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, which addressed issues related to slavery and citizenship. The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document proclaiming the colonies' separation from British rule but is not part of the Constitution or its amendments.