Students > Civil Liberties & Equity > Defining Civil Liberties

Defining Civil Liberties

What Are Civil Liberties?

Read the definition and write down examples.

civil liberties—individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental or other interference

Note: In the United States, examples of civil liberties include the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, and the right to vote.

Civil Liberties Definition

Can you think of some examples of civil liberties? Write them down.

In the following activities you will examine
civil liberties in detail.

Next Up:

THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

ACTIVITY

Read and discuss key amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

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CIVIL LIBERTIES VIOLATION OR NOT?

ACTIVITY

Read example scenarios and answer questions related to whether civil liberties have been violated.

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THE JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION

CLOSE-UP

Learn about the Japanese American incarceration of WWII and reflect on its lessons.

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Introduction

Read the definition for civil liberties below, and then write down a few specific civil liberties you can think of. Your teacher may ask you to share your examples with the class.