Which document outlines the fundamental rights of U.S. citizens?

The Bill of Rights is the correct answer as it specifically enumerates the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to U.S. citizens. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which address issues such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the rights to assemble, bear arms, and receive a fair trial, among others. This document was created in direct response to calls for guarantees of individual liberties and serves as a critical component of American law and civic life.

The Constitution itself establishes the framework of the U.S. government and includes various articles that describe the structure and functions of government but does not specifically list individual rights. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States but lacked a comprehensive outline of citizens' rights and proved inadequate for governing the nation effectively. The Declaration of Independence, while pivotal in asserting the nation's values and justifying separation from British rule, mainly focuses on broader principles of liberty and rights rather than detailing specific rights granted to citizens. Thus, the Bill of Rights stands out as the definitive document that explicitly outlines the fundamental rights of individuals in the U.S.