Fiveable
Fiveable

Individual Rights

Definition

Individual rights refer to the liberties and privileges granted to each citizen by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Analogy

Think of individual rights like your personal bubble. It's your space where you can express yourself freely without interference from others (within legal limits), just like how you have control over who enters your personal bubble.

Related terms

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that outline specific freedoms and protections for individuals.

Civil Liberties: Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, such as freedom of speech or protection against unreasonable searches.

Due Process: A principle in the Constitution that guarantees all people fair treatment through the normal judicial system.

"Individual Rights" appears in:

Practice Questions (1)

  • The Cold War led to debates over the proper balance between government power and individual rights, including discussions about:


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.