Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

## Protecting Individual Freedoms Civil liberties are fundamental rights and freedoms protected by the Constitution, like freedom of speech and religion. Civil rights are protections against discrimination and guarantee equal treatment under the law. ### Amendments That Matter - **First Amendment:** Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. - **Fourteenth Amendment:** Equal protection and due process for all citizens. - **Voting Rights Act:** Protects against discrimination in voting. ### Ongoing Struggles Civil rights movements have fought for equality for African Americans, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. The courts continue to interpret these rights as society changes. ### Real-World Example The Supreme Court's decision in *Obergefell v. Hodges* (2015) legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, protecting civil rights.