Civil Liberties and Rights: U.S. Constitution, Freedoms, and Court Cases

What is the primary focus of Chapter 4 on Civil Liberties?

The chapter discusses the considerable controversy surrounding civil liberties throughout American history.

What is the difference between civil liberties and civil rights?

Civil liberties refer to individual freedoms protected from government interference, while civil rights involve the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law.

What constitutional provision requires individuals to be brought before a judge?

Habeas Corpus

What does the prohibition of bills of attainder prevent?

It prevents punishments without trials.

What is prohibited by ex post facto laws?

Punishing acts that were not illegal at the time they were committed.

What are the Civil War Amendments?

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which emphasize equality.

What significant legal conflict occurred during the constitutional revolution of the 1930s?

The fight between FDR and the Supreme Court regarding the incorporation of civil liberties.

List the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment.

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

What is the significance of the Freedom of Speech?

It allows individuals to express political opinions, but restrictions require a compelling reason.

What types of speech are considered unprotected?

Obscenity and certain speech in schools.

What is libel?

Defamation by written or printed word.

What is the Free Exercise Clause?

It allows individuals to practice their religion freely.

What does the Establishment Clause state?

There is no official government religion.

What is the impact of the Warren Court on civil liberties?

It emphasized the protection of individual rights, including the exclusionary rule and Miranda rights.

What is the Exclusionary Rule?

A legal principle that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in court.

What is the significance of the Miranda Rights?

They inform individuals of their rights when being arrested.

What has been the trend regarding capital punishment in Arkansas?

Arkansas had its first executions since 2005 in 2017.

What percentage of Arkansans favored the death penalty in a 2017 poll?

61% in favor.

What is the USA Patriot Act?

A law that expanded the government's ability to monitor and restrict civil liberties in the name of national security.

What is a key issue surrounding privacy in the context of civil liberties?

The balance between individual privacy rights and government surveillance.