What was the main purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, was primarily designed to protect individual liberties and ensure that the government's powers remain limited in relation to the rights of the people. These first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution specifically enumerate various rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protection against unreasonable search and seizure, among others. This was a significant development in safeguarding citizens' freedoms against potential governmental overreach, reflecting the concerns of anti-Federalists who were wary of a strong centralized government and the possible infringement on personal freedoms.

The other options do not accurately represent the main intention of the Bill of Rights. While strengthening the federal government and outlining powers of Congress are aspects of the broader Constitution, they do not capture the critical focus of the Bill of Rights on protecting the rights of individuals. Furthermore, the establishment of voting rights is not directly addressed in the Bill of Rights, which predates later amendments that sought to expand voting access. Thus, the primary focus of the Bill of Rights was, indeed, to ensure that individual liberties are upheld and respected within the framework of the new government.