gov quiz civil liberties

What Are Civil Liberties?

• Basic rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution

• Meant to protect people from government abuse of power

• Always involves balancing individual rights and public safety

Bill of Rights

• First 10 amendments

• Protect individual freedoms

• Originally applied only to the federal government

1st Amendment

freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms

4th Amendment

Protection from unreasonable searches

5th Amendment

Due process, no self-incrimination

6th Amendment

Fair and speedy trial

Establishment Clause

Government cannot create or favor a religion

Free Exercise Clause

People can practice religion freely

• Separation of church and state comes from these ideas

14th Amendment

• Applies the Bill of Rights to the states

• Protects equality and freedom

Citizenship Clause

Anyone born in the U.S. is a citizens

Due Process Clause

Fair treatment by the law

Equal Protection Clause

Laws must treat people equally