Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?

1. To establish government authority over individual freedoms

2. To protect individual freedoms and prevent government interference

3. To define the limits of law enforcement power

4. To outline the responsibilities of citizens

The correct answer is: To protect individual freedoms and prevent government interference

The primary purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect individual freedoms and prevent government interference. This foundational document, which consists of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was established in response to concerns that the original Constitution did not adequately safeguard the rights of individuals against potential government overreach. By explicitly enumerating rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, the Bill of Rights serves to restrict government powers and ensure that individual liberties remain intact. This protective role is crucial in maintaining a democratic society where personal freedoms are respected and upheld.