The Bill of Rights is a set of amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantees civil rights and liberties to individuals and sets rules for due process of law. It was written by James Madison and came into effect in December 1791 after ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures. The Bill of Rights is important because it protects American freedom, including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and due process of law. It limits the power of the government and protects individual liberties through the Constitution. The Bill of Rights also specifies that the enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to calm fears about increasing federal government power and to protect individual freedoms. The Bill of Rights is important to everyone in the United States of America because it allows people to express their uniqueness towards each other and to be themselves.