What are civil liberties?

Civil liberties are defined as fundamental freedoms that are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution. These liberties include the right to free speech, the right to privacy, and the right to due process, among others. They serve as a safeguard against government overreach and ensure that individuals have essential protections in matters of personal freedom.

In contrast, rights granted by the government are often contingent upon legislation and can be altered or revoked through the political process, whereas civil liberties are rooted in the foundational legal framework of the Constitution itself, making them more durable against governmental changes. Similarly, privileges afforded to citizens by local law may vary from state to state and are not uniformly recognized across the nation, further distinguishing them from the enduring nature of civil liberties. Lastly, amendments that protect group rights may focus on collective protections, but civil liberties predominantly concern the rights of individuals and their freedoms from government intrusion. Therefore, understanding civil liberties as basic freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution highlights their importance in the protection of individual rights within a democratic society.