The U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights is significant as it guarantees essential individual liberties and limits governmental power. Ratified in 1791, this collection of ten amendments protects fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. It serves as a cornerstone for American democracy, ensuring that citizens' freedoms are safeguarded against governmental overreach. The Bill of Rights continually influences judicial decisions, social movements, and public discourse on the balance between individual rights and state authority.