The U.S. Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, serves several major governmental purposes:
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Protection of Individual Liberties: It establishes specific prohibitions on government power, safeguarding individual rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and the right to a fair trial. This reflects the importance of protecting citizens from government overreach.
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Limitation of Government Power: By enumerating specific rights, the Bill of Rights serves to limit the authority of the federal government, ensuring that citizens maintain certain freedoms that cannot be infringed upon by the state.
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Encouragement of Civic Engagement: The protections outlined in the Bill of Rights encourage civic participation and public discourse by guaranteeing the rights necessary for a functioning democracy.
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Preservation of Federalism: By reserving certain powers and rights for the states and the people, the Bill of Rights helps maintain the balance of power between federal and state governments.
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Foundation for Legal Interpretation: It provides a framework for courts to interpret and uphold the rights of individuals against laws and actions that may infringe upon those rights.
In summary, the major government purpose served by the U.S. Bill of Rights is to protect individual liberties and limit governmental power, ensuring the core principles of democracy and justice within the framework of American governance.
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