What is the Bill of Rights designed to protect?

The Bill of Rights is fundamentally designed to safeguard individual liberties and rights from being infringed upon by the government. This first ten amendments to the United States Constitution enumerate specific protections for citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms, among others. Its creation emerged from a concern that without such protections, the federal government could overreach and abuse its power, infringing upon the personal freedoms of individuals.

In contrast to the other options, which focus on state powers, political parties, or national security, the Bill of Rights specifically emphasizes the need to protect personal freedoms against government actions. This makes it a crucial component of American democracy, ensuring that citizens maintain certain fundamental rights regardless of governmental authority.