What protections are built into our government to preserve our rights and freedoms?

The U.S. government is designed with several protections to preserve individual rights and freedoms, primarily through the Constitution and its amendments. The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments, explicitly guarantees fundamental freedoms such as speech, religion, and assembly. Additionally, the system of checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches ensures that no single branch can infringe upon citizens' rights. Judicial review allows courts to interpret laws and strike down those that violate constitutional protections, further safeguarding individual liberties.