Why are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution referred to as the "Bill of Rights"?

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution are referred to as the "Bill of Rights" because they specifically protect personal rights and liberties from government infringement. These amendments were introduced as a response to concerns that the original Constitution did not adequately safeguard individual freedoms. By enshrining rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the right to due process and to bear arms, the Bill of Rights serves to limit governmental power and ensure that certain fundamental rights are preserved for individuals. This framework is essential in promoting civil liberties and ensuring that citizens have enforceable rights against the state, thereby strengthening the principles of democracy.

The other answer choices do not accurately represent the purpose of the Bill of Rights. For example, while the first ten amendments do enumerate specific rights, they are not simply the first laws passed by Congress, nor do they define the powers of the federal government or establish a system of checks and balances. Instead, their primary function is the protection of personal freedoms and the establishment of limits on governmental authority, making option C the most accurate choice.