Question

What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties? Give an example of each

Answer 1

Answer:

Civil rights are the political and social freedoms that grant us equality. An example is the right to vote. Civil liberties refer to the rights that protect us from unjust oversight from governmental or other organizational interference.  An example is freedom of speech.  

Explanation:

The meaning of civil rights and civil liberties has always been blurred because both words are included in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. People often use these two ideas interchangeably. The emphasis in regards to civil liberties is the protection from unwanted government actions. Civil rights are the positive actions the government should take to make sure everyone in society is treated equally.  Sometimes these dimensions of our laws are at odds, like when national security comes up against freedom of the press and their right to publish about government actions.