Final answer:
Civil rights ensure equal protection and treatment under the law for all individuals, particularly focused on preventing discrimination against minority groups. These rights span across political, social, and economic areas, assuring equality in voting rights, employment opportunities, and legal proceedings. Civil rights are distinct from civil liberties, which protect individual freedoms from government overreach.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Are Civil Rights?
The term "civil rights" refers to the government guarantees of equal protection under the law to ensure a group's rights are not violated or denied. These rights pertain to political, social, and economic equality that belong to individuals by virtue of their citizenship. Regardless of being a citizen, an immigrant, or just visiting, these protections extend to various aspects including freedom from discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. In American history, these rights have been especially associated with protecting minority groups such as African Americans, Hispanics, and women, ensuring that they receive equal treatment under law even in cases where the 'majority rule' of a democracy might outvote them.
Civil rights include political rights like voting and running for office, employment rights such as equal employment opportunities, and legal rights such as the ability to file civil lawsuits. Lastly, though closely related, it is important not to confuse civil rights with civil liberties, which often refer to freedoms that protect individuals from government actions.