Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Write a 2-3 page essay explaining how your selected topic connects to civil liberties and civil rights.
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Introduction
Note: The first three assessments in this course build on each other; therefore, it is essential that you complete them in the order presented.
Sex and gender discrimination in employment. Property seizures without proper notice or hearings. Landlords refusing to rent to individuals based on race. These are civil rights violations that most of us have read or heard about, or perhaps even experienced. We might think we know our civil rights and how our government protects them. But do we, really? And what are people talking about exactly when they talk about civil liberties and civil rights?
This assessment continues to expand your understanding of how our government works, this time by focusing on the role and importance of civil liberties and civil rights.
Civil liberties and civil rights are similar but different. Everyone has basic civil rights under the Constitution and laws. Civil liberties are limitations on what the government can do so the government doesn’t limit our rights. Civil rights, on the other hand, require the government to act to protect us.
For over 200 years, America’s aspiration to form “a more perfect union” has propelled its citizens toward efforts to try to live up to that ideal. As you explore the big questions raised in this assessment and research key policy developments related to your topic, consider how that work continues and how the complex interplay between civil liberties and civil rights contributes to the effort. As you think about that, contemplate what appropriate actions you could take and what responsibilities you have, given your enhanced awareness of the rights, liberties, and well-being of yourself and others.
Overview
This is the second of three assessments that must be completed in order.
For this assessment, you will write a short essay (500–750 words; 2–3 pages) that explores the topic you selected in the previous assessment. Your essay will focus on how your chosen topic connects to civil liberties and civil rights.
Preparation
To prepare for this assessment:
• Review the suggested resources for this assessment.
• Complete the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties interactive activity.
• Use the Capella Library to locate at least two scholarly sources that help you think about the specific topic you selected.
Instructions
Write an essay in which you address the following requirements. Be sure to write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
• Step 1: Explain, in 1 paragraph, why your topic is important for understanding civil liberties and civil rights.
• Step 2: Describe, in 1–2 paragraphs, the Constitutional limits that apply to your topic.
o Explore, for example, how the rights in the Bill of Rights limit what the federal and state governments can and cannot do. In other words, explore the civil liberties related to your topic.
• Step 3: Trace, in 1–2 paragraphs, the history of key policies related to your topic. Compare historical and contemporary developments and policies.
• Step 4: Explain, in 1–2 paragraphs, how your topic concerns the protection of the people.
o Explore, for example, within the context of your topic what the government is required to do to ensure that people are secure (physically, mentally, financially, emotionally, etc.).
• Step 5: Summarize, in 1 paragraph, your findings and conclusions.
Submission Requirements
Your assessment should meet the following requirements:
• Length: 500–750 words, with a title page and reference page.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• Formatting: Format your submission in APA style, with a title page, double spacing, and a reference page. Review Evidence and APA for more information on formatting.
• Sources: Properly cite at least two scholarly sources according to APA rules. Review Evidence and APA for more information on how to cite your sources.
Refer to the Civil Liberties and Civil Rights scoring guide to ensure that you meet all criteria. To earn full points for each criterion, be sure to note the details on what constitutes distinguished performance.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
• Competency 1: Explain how the Constitution and the federal system influence the political system in the United States.
o Explain why a selected topic is important for understanding civil liberties and civil rights.
o Describe the Constitutional limits that apply to a selected topic.
• Competency 2: Analyze the reciprocal relationship between government, civil rights, and civil liberties.
o Explain how a selected topic concerns the protection of the people.
• Competency 3: Explain the historical development of current political issues and policies.
o Trace the history of key policies related to a selected topic.
• Competency 6: Address assessment purpose in a well-organized manner, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
o Summarize findings and conclusions informed by scholarly research.
o Properly cite at least two scholarly sources according to APA rules.
o Write in a well-organized and concise manner that adheres to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.

Resources
Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.
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Understanding Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Refer to the following resources for clear explanations and examples of civil liberties and civil rights.
• O’Connor, K., & Sabato, L. J. (2022). American government: Roots and reform, 2020 presidential election edition (14th ed.). Pearson. Available in the course room via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
o Chapter 4, “Civil Liberties,” pages 68–100.
o Chapter 5, “Civil Rights,” pages 101–132.
• Assessment 2: Understanding Civil Liberties and Civil Rights reading list.
Protecting Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
The resources in this reading list can help you understand how your civil liberties and civil rights are protected. It includes a summary of the 14th amendment and its legal impact, newspaper articles about current civil rights issues and movements, and a link to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website with a section about its work on current civil liberties and civil rights issues.
• Assessment 2: Protecting Civil Liberties and Civil Rights reading list.
Library Research Guide
You may want to find other resources to prepare for this assessment, and you will need to ensure that they are appropriate, credible, and valid. The General Education Information Research Skills Library Guide provides links to library skills instruction, subject-specific resources and tools, and assessment-focused help you can use in all your general education courses. The Political Science page in the guide includes links to eBooks, background information, and specialized databases in the area.