What is the term for the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. This term specifically refers to these amendments, which were ratified on December 15, 1791, and were created to ensure individual liberties and protect citizens from government overreach. These amendments outline fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Bill of Rights plays a critical role in American democracy by safeguarding personal freedoms and establishing legal protection for individuals against potential abuses by the state.

The other terms in the question refer to significant but distinct historical documents and frameworks. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States prior to the Constitution, and they established a weak central government. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles. The Declaration of Independence is the document that announced the American colonies' separation from British rule, outlining the philosophical justification for independence. Each of these documents serves a unique purpose and context in American history, distinct from the Bill of Rights.