Question

The Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent . . . abuse of its powers, that further . . . restrictive clauses should be added.

According to this excerpt, what was the main purpose of ratifying the Bill of Rights?

to adopt the Constitution
to restrict citizens’ rights
to prevent the abuse of power
to create a convention

Answer 1

to prevent the abuse of power

The excerpt says states wanted "restrictive clauses" added to avoid abuse of the government's powers — the Bill of Rights was ratified to limit government authority and protect individual liberties.