The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, established essential rights and freedoms for individuals in the United States. It consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the press, along with the right to bear arms and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. It ensures due process of law and protects against cruel and unusual punishments. These amendments were crucial in limiting government power and safeguarding individual liberties, shaping the legal framework and democratic values that underpin American society today.