Civil Rights and Liberties

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to civil rights and liberties.

Equal Protection Clause

A provision in the 14th Amendment that mandates no state shall deny any person equal protection of the laws.

Civil Liberties

Constitutionally established guarantees and freedoms that protect citizens' opinions against arbitrary government interference.

Civil Rights

Rights that protect individuals from discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, and sex.

Bill of Rights

The first ten Amendments to the Constitution, designed to protect individual liberties and rights.

Selective incorporation

Doctrine that extends select protections of the Bill of Rights to the states through the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the establishment of an official religion by the government.

Free Exercise Clause

Guarantees freedom of conscience and prohibits government interference in religious belief.

Symbolic Speech

Nonverbal action that communicates an idea or belief.

Clear and Present Danger

Speech can be limited when it is shown to present danger to public safety.

Due Process Clause

States that the government may not infringe on a person’s right to life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Miranda Rights

Rights requiring accused persons to be informed of procedural protections before interrogation.

Patriot Act

Legislation enacted post-9/11 designed to expand surveillance abilities of law enforcement.

Exclusionary Right

Stipulates that evidence illegally seized in violation of Fourth Amendment rights cannot be used in court.

National Organization for Women

A feminist organization that lobbies for gender equality.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Prohibits discrimination in public places and makes employment discrimination illegal.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

Letter From Birmingham

A letter by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocating for moral responsibility to break unjust laws.

Separate but Equal

Doctrines allowing state laws to restrict African American access under the claim of equality.