Final answer:
Civil liberties are protections against government interference, enshrined in the amendments of the U.S. Constitution, and limit government power to ensure personal freedoms such as the freedom of religion and protection against cruel punishments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term civil liberties best defines the protections and freedoms from government interference in certain areas of individual behavior. Civil liberties are the limitations placed on government power to ensure that individuals can exercise their freedoms without unwarranted restriction. For example, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution denies the government the authority to prohibit 'the free exercise' of religion, ensuring individuals have the liberty to practice their religion of choice. Likewise, the Eighth Amendment prevents government officials from imposing 'cruel and unusual punishments.' These liberties are enshrined in the Bill of Rights, which serve as crucial guarantees against the overreach of government power.
It is also important to note the distinction between civil liberties and civil rights; while closely related, civil rights often refer to the need for government action to ensure equality and prevent discrimination. For instance, civil rights would involve measures to protect individuals from racial discrimination, whereas civil liberties would include the right to free speech, protection from unlawful searches, and the freedom of belief.