Which document set the standard for civil liberties in the U.S.?

The Bill of Rights established the standard for civil liberties in the United States by outlining specific protections for individual rights against governmental infringement. Ratified in 1791 as the first ten amendments to the Constitution, this pivotal document guarantees fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the rights to bear arms, due process, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Bill of Rights was crafted in response to calls for greater protections of individual liberties, reflecting the Founding Fathers' commitment to limiting government power and safeguarding personal freedoms. This foundational document serves as a cornerstone for civil liberties and has had far-reaching implications in American law and society, influencing numerous Supreme Court decisions and civil rights movements throughout history.

In contrast, while the Constitution sets the framework for the U.S. government and defines its powers, it does not explicitly enumerate individual rights until the Bill of Rights was added. The Civil Rights Act focuses on prohibiting discrimination and promoting equal rights but does not encompass the broader spectrum of civil liberties. The Emancipation Proclamation was a significant step toward ending slavery but did not directly address civil liberties as a comprehensive standard.