Final answer:
Civil liberties were protected prior to the Charter of Rights & Freedom through the Bill of Rights, state constitutions, and the actions of citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to the Charter of Rights & Freedom, civil liberties were protected in several ways:
- The Bill of Rights: The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, protected civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
- State Constitutions: Many state constitutions already protected specific civil liberties, such as freedom of the press, prior to the Charter of Rights & Freedom.
- Actions of Citizens: Ordinary citizens, lawyers, and politicians have been vigilant in protecting constitutional liberties through activism and advocacy.