The legacies of the Bill of Rights include several key statements:
- It has served as a strong protection against violations of American civil liberties throughout history.
- It established the belief that federal power posed the greatest threat to personal freedom.
- It established freedom of expression as a foundational element of political democracy.
- It guarantees fundamental civil rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms.
- It limits the power of the federal government by reserving all powers not delegated to it to the people or the states.
- It sets important legal protections in judicial processes, including due process and protection against unreasonable searches.
- Although widely respected and influential, the Bill of Rights has also faced challenges in fully ensuring personal liberties for all citizens throughout history.
These statements describe the Bill of Rights' crucial role in shaping American legal, political, and civil rights traditions.