Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, and the Constitutional Debate

Understanding Civil Liberties

• Civil liberties are protections FROM government interference
• They are fundamental rights protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights

Key Examples:

• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of religion
• Right to due process
• Right to bear arms
• Protection against unreasonable search and seizure

Civil Rights Explained

Civil rights are guarantees of equal treatment BY the government. Protect against discrimination based on:

• Race
• Gender
• Religion
• National Origin
• Age
• Disability