Final answer:
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791 to ensure the protection of individual liberties and to address concerns of the Anti-federalists about the power of the national government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bill of Rights: Understanding the First Ten Amendments
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments were ratified on December 15, 1791, to guarantee essential rights and civil liberties to Americans. The inception of the Bill of Rights was a response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties. James Madison took on the task of drafting a list of amendments that would outline and protect the rights of individual citizens. The Bill of Rights thus includes protections for freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as rights to fair legal proceedings and to bear arms.
To address Anti-federalist concerns about the power of the national government, these amendments were almost immediately added after the Constitution's ratification. The process established by the Founders allowed for this crucial addition, showcasing the adaptability of the Constitution. Over the years, the Bill of Rights has stood as a symbol of American values and the nation's commitment to the protection of individual freedoms.