How does the Bill of Rights protect against government overreach?

The Bill of Rights serves as a crucial safeguard against government overreach by establishing specific limitations on government authority. This collection of amendments explicitly outlines individual rights and freedoms that the government is required to respect and protect. For instance, the First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, speech, assembly, and the press, while the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. These provisions are designed to restrict the powers of the government, ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights without unwarranted interference.

By clearly delineating what the government cannot do, the Bill of Rights plays a vital role in preserving individual liberties and providing a framework for legal redress if those rights are violated. This structure helps maintain a balance of power, preventing the government from infringing upon the fundamental freedoms essential to a democratic society.