Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts regarding civil liberties and civil rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution and significant Supreme Court cases.

Civil Liberties

Protections of individuals from abuse by the government, including rights to speech, assembly, and fair trials.

Civil Rights

Protections of groups from discrimination by governmental and private actions based on race, gender, ethnicity, and other characteristics.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that codify civil liberties.

First Amendment

Guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.

Establishment Clause

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

Free Exercise Clause

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

Due Process Clause (14th Amendment)

Ensures that states cannot deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

Equal Protection Clause (14th Amendment)

Forbids states from denying any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which the Supreme Court has applied the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Miranda Rights

Rights read to a suspect upon arrest to ensure they are aware of their rights, including the right to remain silent.

Exclusionary Rule

A legal principle that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Supreme Court case that ruled students have the right to free speech in schools.

Schenck v. U.S. (1919)

Established the 'clear and present danger' test for restricting free speech.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

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

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Supreme Court case that ruled against the constitutionality of a nondenominational prayer in public schools.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Supreme Court decision that recognized a woman's right to choose to have an abortion under the right to privacy.

Affirmative Action

Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups in education and employment.

Voting Rights Act (1965)

Federal legislation that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

New York Times v. U.S. (1971)

Supreme Court case that established a heavy presumption against prior restraint of the press.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Supreme Court decision that applied the Second Amendment's right to bear arms to state and local governments.

Freedom of Information Act (1966)

Law that allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information controlled by the U.S. government.

Political Rights

Rights that allow participation in the political process, including the right to vote and run for office.