What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. This set of amendments was ratified in 1791 and was created to ensure the protection of individual liberties and civil rights against potential government overreach. They cover fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, and rights related to criminal prosecutions. The Bill of Rights plays a crucial role in American law and helps to define the relationship between citizens and their government, reinforcing the principle of a government that is accountable to the people.

The other choices represent significant historical documents or agreements but are not amendments to the Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, for example, was a statement of the colonies' intent to separate from British rule and lays out the philosophical reasons for the separation. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States but were eventually replaced due to their ineffectiveness in governing the country. Lastly, the Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln that aimed to free the slaves in the Confederate states, but it does not relate to the Constitution's amendments.