How many amendments are included in the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights is composed of 10 amendments that were ratified on December 15, 1791. These amendments were introduced to protect the individual liberties of citizens and to limit the powers of the federal government. The first ten amendments address fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the rights to bear arms, due process, and fair trials, among others. This foundational component of American law is critical because it establishes essential protections for individuals against government overreach, which remains a cornerstone of democratic principles.