AP Gov Civil Rights/Liberties

Civil Liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected from government interference, such as freedom of speech and the right to privacy.

Clear & Present Danger Test

A legal doctrine used to determine whether speech is protected by the First Amendment based on its potential to cause significant harm or danger.

Compelling Governmental Interest

A principle that allows the government to regulate certain rights if it serves a purpose of great importance, such as public safety or national security.

Due Process

Constitutional guarantees that legal proceedings will be fair, and individuals will be given notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Establishment Clause

1. A First Amendment provision prohibiting the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over others.

Free Exercise Clause

A First Amendment provision protecting individuals' rights to practice their religion freely without government interference.

Libel

A false and damaging written statement about someone that harms their reputation.

Obscene Speech

Speech not protected by the First Amendment because it violates community standards and lacks serious artistic, literary, or scientific value.

Prior Restraint

Government action that prohibits speech or expression before it can take place, often deemed unconstitutional.

Public Interest

The well-being or general welfare of the public as a whole, often cited in legal and policy discussions.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which certain rights in the Bill of Rights are applied to states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Symbolic Speech

Nonverbal communication, such as gestures or clothing, that conveys a political message and is protected under the First Amendment.

Wall of Separation

A metaphor describing the separation of church and state, derived from Thomas Jefferson's writings.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal rule preventing evidence obtained through illegal searches or seizures from being used in court.

Metadata

Data about data, such as information about communication records, including time, duration, and parties involved.

Procedural Due Process

The requirement that government follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.

Public Safety Exception

A legal exception allowing authorities to question suspects without providing Miranda warnings when public safety is at risk.

Right to Privacy

The constitutional right to personal autonomy, particularly in matters like family, marriage, and reproduction.

Search & Seizure

Actions by law enforcement to investigate and collect evidence, regulated by the Fourth Amendment to prevent unreasonable searches.

Substantive Due Process

The principle that certain fundamental rights are protected from government interference, even if procedural protections are present.

Affirmative Action

Policies that aim to address historical discrimination by favoring underrepresented groups in education, employment, or government contracts.

Civil Rights Act (1875, 1957, & 1964)

Laws that aimed to protect civil rights by banning racial discrimination, ensuring voting rights, and prohibiting segregation.

Equal Protection Clause

A provision of the Fourteenth Amendment requiring states to apply the law equally and prohibit discriminatory practices.

Equal Rights Amendment

A proposed but unratified constitutional amendment aiming to guarantee equality of rights regardless of sex.

Grandfather Clause

A discriminatory policy that exempted some voters (e.g., whites) from new voting requirements if their ancestors had voting rights.

Title IX

A federal law prohibiting gender discrimination in educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

A landmark law eliminating racial discrimination in voting, including banning literacy tests and empowering federal oversight of elections.