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Civil rights in the United States are protected by the Constitution (particularly the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment), federal legislation, and Supreme Court rulings. The struggle for civil rights has been central to American politics since the nation's founding, and it remains one of the most important and contested areas of US governance. For Edexcel A-Level Politics, understanding the key constitutional protections, landmark cases, and ongoing debates about race, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights is essential.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution protect fundamental individual liberties:
| Amendment | Protection |
|---|---|
| First | Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition |
| Second | Right to keep and bear arms |
| Fourth | Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures |
| Fifth | Due process; protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy |
| Sixth | Right to a speedy trial and legal counsel |
| Eighth | Prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment |
The Thirteenth (1865), Fourteenth (1868), and Fifteenth (1870) Amendments were ratified after the Civil War to address the legacy of slavery:
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