Civil Liberties

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts related to Civil Liberties in American Government.

Civil Liberties

Limitations of government power designed to protect individual freedoms.

Civil Rights

Constitutional guarantees that the government will treat people equally regardless of race, gender, or religion.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, created in 1789 and ratified in 1791, protecting civil liberties.

Due Process Clause

Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires state and local governments to follow fair procedures before denying a person life, liberty, or property.

Amendments

Official changes or additions to the Constitution that protect various rights.

Incorporation

The legal doctrine that ensures Bill of Rights protections are applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Establishment Clause

A part of the First Amendment that prohibits the government from establishing a state religion.

Free Exercise Clause

A clause in the First Amendment that protects individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that makes an act illegal after it has already been committed.

Habeas Corpus

The legal principle that protects against unlawful detention, requiring a person to be brought before a judge.

Bill of Attainder

A legislative act that singles out an individual or group for punishment without a trial.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant.

Fifth Amendment

Guarantees rights in criminal cases, including due process and protection against self-incrimination.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy trial and an impartial jury.

Seventh Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Ninth Amendment

States that not all rights are enumerated in the Constitution and individuals retain other rights.

Tenth Amendment

Declares that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

Freedom of Expression

The right to express one's ideas and opinions freely through speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Right to Privacy

An implied right under the Constitution that protects personal privacy from government intrusion.