Civil Liberties Notes

Unit 3: Civil Liberties

Bill of Rights

• First 10 Amendments (1st - 10th AN).
• Protects civil liberties against the federal government.
• Arose to appease the Anti-Federalists.

Personal Freedom vs. Public Interest

• Balancing individual rights with the needs of society.

1st Amendment

• Guarantees freedom of religion.

Religion

• "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

Establishment Clause

• Prevents the federal government from establishing a national church.

Free Exercise Clause

• Protects citizens' rights to practice their religion freely.

Case Example: Engel v. Vitale

• Issue: Is prayer in school constitutional?
• Ruling: Prayer in school violates the Establishment Clause.

Incorporation Process

• Process by which provisions/rights outlined in the Bill of Rights are applied to state governments.
• Cat, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 14th Amendment.

Amendments & Civil Liberties

• 13/14 Amendment: Abolished Slavery.
• 14th Amendment: States must uphold civil liberties.
• 15th Amendment: Recognized voting rights for Black.