Consider the importance of the Bill of Rights in the USA

The Bill of Rights is the name given to the first 10 amendments to the constitution, proposed together by Congress in 1789 and first ratified by 3/4s of the states in 1791. The amendments were made to placate the anti-federalists who believed that the constitution did not enshrine enough liberties, and in effect protect states and individuals from government over-reach. They principally make up the constitutional rights; which is very important as they are entrenched. Protection against tyranny, from Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of the Law' was fundamental to the framers of the constitution and thus the Bill of Rights holds much significance in protecting the rights of the individual from tyranny. The Bill of Rights is the fundamental law of the USA, it is the source of limitations on government together with devices such as the separation of powers, checks and balances and entrenched rights; it is deep in US culture. It provides government with powers to be strong and effective while denying the abuse of any of those powers; the sixth amendment ensures rights are provided when on trial and thus allows for strong governmental judiciary while protecting the individuals' rights. Moreover, it balances federal governance with the autonomy of the states which is fundamental to a country with one federal government that has such a diversity of cultures and ideologies within it because of its sheer land mass. The first amendment for example guarantees the basic rights to freedom of religion, press and assembly.