Civil Right and Civil Liberties Vocab

Question 1

Civil Liberties

Answer 1

Constitutional protections against infringement by the government.

Question 2

Civil Rights

Answer 2

Policies that protect people from arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by the government; ensures equal protection of the laws.

Question 3

Due Process Clause

Answer 3

14th amendment clause that protects individuals from infringements by the government and has been used to incorporate civil liberties to the states.

Question 4

Equal Protection Clause

Answer 4

14th amendment clause that declares states cannot unreasonably discriminate against individuals; has been used to incorporate civil rights.

Question 5

Selective Incorporation

Answer 5

The process of gradually applying the Bill of Rights to the states.

Question 6

Prior restraint

Answer 6

Censorship of a publication before it is printed; typically not allowed under the law.

Question 7

Clear-and-present danger test

Answer 7

This standard, set forth in Schenck v. U.S., declares that speech is not covered by the 1st amendment if it poses a public threat.

Question 8

Libel

Answer 8

Written expression that is both false and malicious.

Question 9

Slander

Answer 9

Spoken expression that is both false and malicious.

Question 10

Symbolic speech

Answer 10

Expressing a political message through an action.

Question 11

Free Exercise Clause

Answer 11

First Amendment requirement that allows people to practice whatever religion they choose.

Question 12

Establishment Clause

Answer 12

First amendment provision that declares the government may not declare a national religion or give preference to one religion over another.

Question 13

Miranda Rule

Answer 13

Policy that police officers must inform all suspects of their rights before questioning.

Question 14

Exclusionary rule

Answer 14

This standard states that evidence gained without a proper warrant may not be used in a criminal trial.

Question 15

Double Jeopardy

Answer 15

This provision states that an individual may not be tried for the same crime twice.

Question 16

Search Warrant

Answer 16

A court order signed by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to conduct a search of a person, property, or location.

Question 17

Probable Cause

Answer 17

Reasonable foundation for issuing a search warrant or making an arrest; more than mere suspicion.

Question 18

Separate-but-equal Doctrine

Answer 18

Doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson that segregated facilities may be established for different races and still be considered equal.

Question 19

De jure segregation

Answer 19

Racial segregation enforced by law.

Question 20

De facto segregation

Answer 20

Racial segregation that occurs not as a result of the law, but as a result of residential patterns and customs.

Question 21

Civil disobedience

Answer 21

Opposing a law considered unjust by peacefully disregarding it and accepting the resulting punishment.

Question 22

Affirmative Action

Answer 22

Positive steps taken by the government to increase minority participation in some institutions by appointing or giving preference to more minority-group members.

Question 23

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Answer 23

Law that prohibited segregation in public accommodations and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin.

Question 24

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Answer 24

Law that aimed to limit voting barriers for African Americans, most notably the use of discriminatory literacy tests.

Question 25

Title IX

Answer 25

Law that was passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibited sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal funding.

Question 26

1st Amendment

Answer 26

This constitutional provision protects an individual’s right to free speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

Question 27

2nd Amendment

Answer 27

This constitutional provision protects an individual’s right to bear arms.

Question 28

4th Amendment

Answer 28

This constitutional provision protects an individual’s right against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Question 29

5th Amendment

Answer 29

This constitutional provision protects individuals from incriminating themselves or facing double jeopardy, among other protections regarding legal proceedings.

Question 30

6th Amendment

Answer 30

This constitutional provision guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to counsel, and the right to confront and present witnesses, among other legal protections.

Question 31

8th Amendment

Answer 31

This constitutional provision protects an individual from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail or fines.

Question 32

14th Amendment

Answer 32

This constitutional provision provides a guarantee of citizenship, as well as equal protection and due process, which have been the sources of incorporation for key protections in the Bill of Rights.