Civil liberties and Civil rights

How can the Constitution be amended?

Proposed by 2/3 of Congress (or convention) and ratified by 3/4 of the states.

How many amendments does the Constitution have?

27

Civil rights

Protections against discrimination and equal treatment under the law.

Civil liberties

Individual freedoms protected from government interference.

Habeas corpus

The right to challenge unlawful imprisonment.

Bill of attainder

A law that punishes someone without a trial; prohibited by the Constitution.

Ex post facto law

A law that makes an action illegal after it was committed; prohibited.

Bill of rights

The first 10 amendments protecting individual freedoms.

13th amendment

Abolished slavery

14th amendment

Guarantees citizenship, due process, and equal protection.

15th amendment

Prohibits denying voting rights based on race.

19th amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

Due process clause

Protects people from being deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures.

Establishment clause

Prevents the government from establishing an official religion.

Free exercise clause

Protects the right to practice religion freely.

Civil rights act of 1964

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

Symbolic speech

Nonverbal expression protected by the First Amendment (such as wearing an armband).

Libel

Written false statements that damage someone's reputation.

Slander

Spoken false statements that damage someone's reputation.

Obscenity

Material not protected by the First Amendment because it is legally considered offensive.

Prior restraint

Government censorship before something is published; generally unconstitutional.

Probable cause

Reasonable belief that a crime has been committed; required for most search warrants.

Miranda warnings

Rights police must read before custodial questioning, including the right to remain silent and an attorney.

Equal pat act

A law requiring equal pay for equal work regardless of sex.

Glass ceiling

Invisible barriers preventing women and minorities from advancing to top positions.

Affirmative action

Policies that encourage opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.

Reverse discrimination

A claim that affirmative action unfairly discriminates against members of majority groups.