What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights refers specifically to the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were ratified in 1791 and were created to ensure the protection of individual liberties and rights against government infringement. They cover a range of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as rights related to criminal justice, such as the right to a fair trial and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

This foundational framework establishes critical legal protections and is essential for understanding American civil liberties. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the Bill of Rights; for instance, a collection of Supreme Court decisions would refer to judicial interpretations rather than amendments, while a document stating states' rights or a legal framework for international treaties does not pertain to this specific set of amendments focused on individual rights and government limitations.