1. The Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties
Chapter 5
Essential Question: How are your rights defined and protected under the Constitution?

2. Liberties and Rights
Civil liberties – are freedoms; also are limitations on gov’t. They start with “Freedom of ___.” Examples: Freedom of speech, religion, to assemble peacefully.
Civil rights – equal privileges of citizens; also protect the minority from the majority. They start with “Right to ___.” Examples: Right to jury trial, right to vote.
The Bill of Rights (1st ten amendments) grants many liberties & rights.
The Supreme Court protects/backs up the Bill of Rights.
Marbury v. Madison (1803) saw the Supreme Court interpret the Constitution for the 1st time.
Started judicial review = Supreme Court interprets Constitution.
Fourteenth Amendment (1868) says states can’t take away liberties and rights. (Citizenship amendment.)

3. Liberties and Rights (continued)
At times in history, interpreting the Constitution has been wrong and unfair. But, the Constitution is a “living document”—it changes with time.
Case study: racial segregation
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): seg. is legal
Brown v. Board of Educ. (1954): seg. Is NOT legal
The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution. So…
EQ: How are your rights defined and protected under the Constitution?
Rights are defined by the Supreme Court’s rulings over the years.
How are your rights defined and protected under the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights guarantees your rights. Court rulings set precedents or examples/tradition which protect your rights.