The Bill of Rights protects citizens' basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom before the law, and several other important individual liberties. These protections allow Americans to more easily live happy, free, and productive lives.
By listing them explicitly, the Bill of Rights ensures these rights will be protected. It provides written directions to those in the federal government on how to enact new laws without infringing on the underpinnings of these unalienable rights.