What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights and how does it limit government power?

• A. It guarantees the president's authority to rule by decree.
• B. It outlines the structure of the federal budget.
• C. It enumerates fundamental rights and liberties and prevents government overreach.
• D. It requires all states to adopt a common constitution.

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that the Bill of Rights protects individual liberties and limits government power by listing fundamental rights and prohibiting government overreach. It lays out protections such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, the right to due process and a fair trial, and safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. By clearly stating these rights, the government is constrained from actions that would infringe on them, preventing the government from wielding unchecked authority.

This set of amendments was added to prevent tyranny and to ensure that citizens have basic protections against the federal government. While originally focused on limits at the national level, later interpretations have extended many protections to apply to state governments as well. For example, governments cannot interfere with free expression or require individuals to forego due process simply because they disagree with those in power.

The other options don’t fit the purpose: one imagines the president ruling by decree, which would expand power rather than limit it; another concerns budgeting, which is not what the Bill of Rights addresses; and another suggests states must adopt a common constitution, which is not the aim of these amendments.