Civil liberties are essential rights that protect individuals from undue governmental authority. These liberties, including freedom of speech and due process, serve to limit the state's power and ensure personal autonomy. A balance must be struck between maintaining social order and safeguarding these individual rights. When governmental authority oversteps, it often leads to violations of civil liberties, resulting in public backlash and demands for reform. Ultimately, a robust understanding of civil liberties is vital for a healthy democracy, whereby citizens can challenge and hold their governments accountable without fear of repression.