What are civil liberties?

Civil liberties are individual rights that protect citizens from government overreach and interference. These rights are enshrined in law, particularly within the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which serve to safeguard personal freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. This legal protection ensures that individuals can exercise their rights without unwarranted restriction or punishment by the state.

In contrast, responsibilities mandated by the Constitution refer to duties that individuals owe to society, such as paying taxes or serving on juries. Rights of the states within the federal system pertain to the powers and privileges granted to state governments as opposed to those held by the federal government. Legal obligations of citizens highlight the requirements that individuals must meet under the law, rather than focusing on the protective rights they possess. Understanding civil liberties as protections from governmental action clarifies their fundamental role in maintaining a free and just society.