Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Civil Liberties are fundamental rights and freedoms granted to individuals by law, typically protected by a constitution or bill of rights. These liberties include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and privacy.
Related terms
Freedom of Speech: The right to express one's opinions without censorship or punishment from the government.
The division of governmental powers among different branches (such as executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.