Which document outlines the fundamental rights of American citizens?

The document that outlines the fundamental rights of American citizens is the Bill of Rights. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments were created to ensure that essential rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and the right to a fair trial, are explicitly protected against government infringement.

This document is particularly significant because it codifies the relationship between the government and its citizens, guaranteeing that specific rights cannot be violated. In contrast, the Constitution establishes the framework of the government and its powers, while the Declaration of Independence expresses the philosophical foundations of the nation and issues a formal statement of separation from British rule. The Federalist Papers, on the other hand, are a collection of essays written to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution and do not specifically enumerate rights. Therefore, the Bill of Rights uniquely serves as the definitive source for fundamental rights within the broader context of American governance.