What are civil liberties?

Civil liberties refer to the fundamental rights and freedoms that are protected by the Constitution from government interference. These include rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to privacy and due process. The Constitution, particularly through the Bill of Rights, establishes these protections to ensure that individuals can exercise their rights without undue restriction or oppression from the government. Civil liberties are essential for democracy, as they allow for the expression of diverse opinions, the protection of personal freedoms, and the safeguarding of human dignity.

While the other options might refer to certain governmental privileges or regulations, they do not capture the essence of civil liberties as explicitly outlined in the Constitution. Privileges granted by the government (the first option) imply conditional rights that can be taken away, which is contrary to the nature of civil liberties as inherent rights. Rules established by local governments (the third option) are specific regulations that govern localities and do not pertain directly to the fundamental rights guaranteed to individuals. Protections against federal authority (the fourth option) may refer to limitations imposed on government power but do not encompass the broader spectrum of rights and freedoms recognized as civil liberties in the Constitution.