When was the Bill of Rights ratified?

The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791, making it a cornerstone of American constitutional law. The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which were drafted to guarantee specific individual liberties and to limit the power of the federal government. This was particularly significant following the Constitution's ratification in 1787, as there were widespread concerns about the potential for government overreach without explicit protections for personal rights.

The ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791 addressed these concerns and played a crucial role in securing broader support for the Constitution. It affirmed the fundamental freedoms of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the rights to assemble and petition, and provided protections against excessive bail, cruel and unusual punishment, and other abuses.

Understanding the context of the Bill of Rights within the broader historical timeline of the United States is vital. It underscores the importance of safeguarding civil liberties in a democratic society and responds to the fears expressed by many during the ratification process of the original Constitution.