Which of the following amendments was added to prevent the government from imposing excessive bail or fines?

The Eighth Amendment is indeed the correct choice, as it explicitly addresses the issue of excessive bail and fines by stating, "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." This amendment is a key component of the Bill of Rights, designed to protect individuals from potential abuses by the judicial system regarding monetary penalties and punishments.

In the context of the American legal framework, the Eighth Amendment ensures that persons accused of crimes are not subjected to outrageous financial demands that could effectively deny them the ability to secure their release or defend themselves. It reflects a fundamental principle of justice where penalties must be proportionate to the offenses committed.

The other amendments listed do not focus on the issue of bail or fines. The Seventh Amendment pertains to the right to a jury trial in civil cases, the Ninth Amendment addresses the rights retained by the people that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution, and the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. Therefore, the Eighth Amendment is uniquely positioned to address concerns related to excessive bail and fines.