Civil Liberties and the Constitution Key Principles and Cour.docx

Civil Liberties

Protections against government power, ensuring individual freedoms.

Civil Rights

Obligations of the government to treat citizens equally.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution, establishing essential protections for individuals.

Selective Incorporation

Doctrine that applies individual rights from the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Establishment Clause

Part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Part of the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Guarantees rights related to legal proceedings, including protection against self-incrimination.

Miranda Rights

Rights that must be read to a suspect upon arrest, informing them of their rights to remain silent and to an attorney.

Right to Privacy

Not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, but recognized by the Supreme Court in various rulings.

Due Process Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that prohibits the government from depriving individuals of life, liberty, or property without legal procedures.

Affirmative Action

Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local statutes enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Court case that established the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Supreme Court case that ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.

Title IX

Federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

Supreme Court case ruling that Black people were not U.S. citizens.

Affirmative Action

Policies aimed at increasing employment and educational opportunities for minority groups.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all persons.

Holt v. Hobbs (2015)

Supreme Court case allowing a Muslim prisoner to grow a beard for religious reasons.

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado

Supreme Court case ruling in favor of a baker refusing to make a cake for a same-sex wedding based on religious beliefs.