What are "civil rights"?

The phrasing of civil rights encompasses the idea of rights that protect individuals from discrimination and ensure equal treatment under the law, particularly in relation to race, gender, disability, and religion. These rights are designed to eliminate barriers to participation in various aspects of society, including education, employment, and voting.

The first choice accurately identifies civil rights as protections against infringements by governments and other entities, ensuring that all individuals have the same legal rights and opportunities. This aligns with various key legislation and constitutional amendments aimed at promoting equality, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The other choices focus on more specific aspects of rights. The second choice emphasizes free speech and freedom of the press, which are more closely associated with civil liberties rather than civil rights. The third choice pertains specifically to property ownership, which is a narrower topic and does not encompass the broader range of protections that civil rights cover. The fourth choice refers to political participation, which is an important aspect of civil rights but does not fully represent the comprehensive nature of civil rights as they apply to various contexts beyond just politics.