Personal Freedoms
Freedom of Speech: You are allowed to speak freely, either on social networks or in public.
Freedom of Religion: You are allowed to hold or not to hold a faith without the government interfering.
Right to Privacy: This right is rather implied by several amendments which protect you from unlawful searches or surveillance.
Freedom of the Press: The publication of free media by journalists and citizens guarantees an enlightening society.
Freedom of Assembly: Protests and gatherings are protected in the First Amendment.
Legal Protections
Also read:
- https://swiftlawadvisor.com/20-constitutional-rights-you-might-not-know-you-have/
- https://swiftlawadvisor.com/25-landmark-constitutional-cases-that-shaped-the-nation/
- https://swiftlawadvisor.com/30-essential-questions-about-constitutional-law-answered/
Right to Counsel: You have the right to a lawyer if you are charged with a crime (Sixth Amendment).
Protection Against Self-Incrimination: You cannot be compelled to testify against yourself in court (Fifth Amendment).
Protection Against Double Jeopardy: You cannot be tried twice for the same crime once acquitted or convicted.
Right to a Fair Trial: Guaranteed a speedy, public, and impartial trial if you are accused of a crime.
Habeas Corpus: Stops unlawful detention without a good reason.
Daily Privacy and Safety
Protection Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure: Police require a warrant or probable cause to search your house or valuables (Fourth Amendment).
Electronic Privacy: Libellous interpretations safeguard your cell phone, e-mail, and cell-site location information.
Private Property: The Taking Clauses of the Fifth Amendment provide due process in regard to the just compensation of your property.
Employee and Economic Rights
Minimum Wage Laws: Derived from the federal government’s authority to regulate commerce (Commerce Clause).
Right to Unionize: Federal labor laws are based on constitutional interpretations.
Anti-Discrimination Protections: Laws against workplace discrimination are derived from the Equal Protection Clause.
Equal Pay Protections: Gender pay equality is tied to constitutional principles.
Protection Against Forced Labor: The Thirteenth Amendment abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.
Family and Personal Relationships
Right to Marry: The Supreme Court granted constitutional status to marriage, same-sex marriage included.
Right to Control Children’s Education and Upbringing: Parents have the right to control children’s education and upbringing.
Right to Contraceptives: Established by Griswold v. Connecticut under privacy rights.
Right to Abortion: State Dependent-Recent cases impact state authority but privacy doctrines are still highly relevant.
Education
Right to Free Public Education: States must ensure equal access to education and is influenced by constitutional principles.
Freedom from School-Sponsored Prayer: Schools may not require religious activities.
Equal Access to Education: Title IX and other related protections are rooted in constitutional principles.
Voting and Civic Engagement
Right to Vote: The right is available to all regardless of race, gender, or economic class.
One Person, One Vote: Requires equal district populations for fair representation.
Voter Suppression Protection: Federal authority ensures voting rights are protected.
Public Safety and Police
Miranda Rights: Law enforcement must tell you what your rights are upon arrest.
Protection from Excessive Force: Fourth and Eighth Amendments limit the police and practice of punishment.
Prohibition of Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Guarantees humane treatment of inmates.
Health Care
Health Care Access Laws: Federal programs like Medicaid are the result of Congress’ constitutional authority.
Medical Privacy: HIPAA provides additional protections on privacy, thereby protecting health information.
Right to Refuse Treatment: Based on autonomy and privacy rights.
Commerce and Consumer Rights
Regulation of Interstate Commerce: Federal authority ensures product safety and fair trade practices.
Protection from Monopolies: Anti-trust laws are supported by constitutional commerce powers.
Consumer Privacy Protections: Data and credit card information are regulated based on commerce authority.
Travel and Movement
Right to Interstate Travel: Ensures freedom to move without undue restrictions.
Driver’s Licenses and Identification: Federally coordinated but managed by states under constitutional frameworks.
Airport and Border Security: Balances national security with individual rights under the Fourth Amendment.
