Fiveable
Fiveable

Freedom

Definition

Freedom, in the context of US government, refers to the liberties and rights that are guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution. These include freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition.

Analogy

Think of freedom like a wide open field where you can run in any direction you want. The boundaries of this field are set by laws which ensure that your actions do not harm others or infringe upon their own freedoms.

Related terms

Civil Liberties: These are basic rights and freedoms granted to individuals as protection from any arbitrary actions or laws of the government.

Bill of Rights: This is the first ten amendments to the US Constitution that outline specific freedoms and protections for citizens such as freedom of speech, religion and press.

First Amendment: This is part of the Bill of Rights that guarantees five freedoms including speech, religion, press, assembly and petition.

"Freedom" appears in:

Subjects (1)



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.