Question

read this excerpt from the constitution.
the conventions of a number of the states, having at
the time of their adopting the constitution, expressed a
desire, in order to prevent . . . abuse of its powers, that
further . . . restrictive clauses should be added.
according to this excerpt, what was the main purpose
of ratifying the bill of rights?
○ to adopt the constitution
○ to restrict citizens rights
○ to prevent the abuse of power
○ to create a convention

Explanation:

The excerpt explicitly states that the goal of adding restrictive clauses (the Bill of Rights) was to prevent abuse of governmental power. The other options are incorrect: the Constitution was already adopted when this desire was expressed, the Bill of Rights protects not restricts citizens' rights, and creating a convention is not the stated purpose.

Answer:

to prevent the abuse of power