Which part of the Constitution outlines the rights of individuals and limits government power?

• A. Preamble
• B. Amendments
• C. Articles
• D. Bill of Rights

Answer: (D)

The part that protects individual liberties and keeps government power in check is the Bill of Rights. The Preamble explains why the Constitution exists, and the Articles lay out the structure of the government and its powers. Amendments can change the document, but the first ten amendments—the Bill of Rights—specifically enumerate freedoms and protections for individuals and place limits on federal authority. This includes essential rights like freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, protections against unreasonable searches and cruel or unusual punishment, and guarantees of due process and a fair trial. Although later amendments expand or refine rights (and the Fourteenth Amendment extends protections to the states in many cases), the Bill of Rights is the core portion that directly outlines individual rights and curtails governmental power.