Which document outlines the fundamental rights of U.S. citizens?

The Bill of Rights is the correct answer because it specifically consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which explicitly enumerate the fundamental rights and protections afforded to American citizens. These rights include freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to bear arms, among others. The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791 and serves as a critical safeguard for individual liberties against potential governmental overreach.

In contrast, while the Constitution establishes the framework of the federal government and includes various provisions concerning the structure and powers of government, it is the Bill of Rights that directly addresses the rights of individuals. The Declaration of Independence articulates the philosophical underpinnings of democracy and human rights but does not serve as a legal document defining citizens’ rights. The Articles of Confederation, which preceded the Constitution, established a loose confederation of states and lacked a bill of rights, making it an unsuitable choice for outlining individual rights.