Question

What is the difference between civil liberties and civil rights?

a. Civil liberties protect citizens from government and civil rights are equal protection by the government
b. Civil liberties are equal protection by the government and civil rights protect citizens from the government
c. Civil liberties are negative rights, the things that the government cannot do; while civil rights are the things the government must do to provide equal protection for citizens
d. all of the above
e. both a and c

Answer 1

Civil liberties are protections against government actions, while civil rights require government action to ensure equal protection for all, particularly marginalized groups.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

The difference between civil liberties and civil rights is both nuanced and important. Civil liberties are the freedoms guaranteed to individuals that protect them from excessive government interference; these are rights that come with limitations on the power of the government. Examples include freedom of speech and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. On the other hand, civil rights involve the government taking positive actions to ensure the equal treatment and protection of individuals, particularly from discrimination based on group characteristics like race or gender.

The correct answer to the question is both a and c: Civil liberties protect citizens from government interference (negative rights), while civil rights are the steps the government must take to ensure equal protection (positive rights) for its citizens, especially those who belong to marginalized groups.