What do civil liberties protect individuals from?

Civil liberties are essential, fundamental rights that protect individuals from the actions of the government that could infringe upon their freedoms and rights. These liberties are typically enshrined in law, primarily within the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution, and they ensure that citizens can exercise their rights without fear of governmental oppression.

The primary focus of civil liberties is on limiting the power of the government over individuals, allowing for freedoms such as speech, assembly, and religion. By safeguarding these rights, civil liberties help to ensure that individuals can participate in democratic processes and express themselves freely, even when their views may be unpopular or disagree with the government.

While social discrimination, economic inequality, and international conflict may certainly impact individuals' lives and rights, they are not the primary focus of civil liberties, which specifically aim to shield individuals from government overreach and ensure individual autonomy.