The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791 as the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, was significant in protecting individual freedoms. It was established to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared that the new federal government might infringe on citizens' rights. The Bill of Rights guarantees fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. These protections ensured that citizens could oppose the government without fear of reprisal. The Bill of Rights has been crucial in guiding legal interpretations and safeguarding civil liberties, serving as a cornerstone of American democracy.