In political science, which of the following is the best description of civil liberties?

Introduction / Context:
Civil liberties are a central concept in democratic systems. They refer to certain basic freedoms that individuals enjoy in relation to the state. Understanding civil liberties helps citizens know what protections they have against arbitrary government action. This question asks you to identify the best description of civil liberties from several related but distinct ideas such as privileges, natural rights, and political goals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term used in the question is civil liberties, not simply rights or benefits.
• We assume a standard political science definition that connects civil liberties with legal and constitutional protections.
• The options include descriptions that may sound similar but have different meanings.

Concept / Approach:
Civil liberties generally refer to freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and protection from arbitrary arrest, which are protected by law and especially by the Constitution. They are not merely privileges that can be granted or withdrawn at will by the government. They also differ from abstract natural rights in that civil liberties have concrete legal recognition and mechanisms for enforcement. Democratic goals are broader political ideals and do not necessarily translate directly into specific legal rights. Therefore, the correct description will emphasise legal and constitutional guarantees.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase civil liberties, which refers to freedoms that individuals enjoy vis a vis the state.Step 2: Identify that in modern democracies these liberties are typically written into the Constitution or laws and can be enforced in courts.Step 3: Examine the options and look for the one that emphasises rights guaranteed by law and the Constitution.Step 4: Recognise that descriptions talking about privileges or temporary benefits do not match this requirement.Step 5: Select the option that defines civil liberties as rights guaranteed and protected by law, especially by the Constitution.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, recall that in India the Fundamental Rights in Part III of the Constitution are examples of civil liberties. They can be enforced through courts under Articles 32 and 226. Political theory textbooks across different countries commonly define civil liberties as legally protected freedoms, such as freedom of expression and due process rights, rather than as vague aspirations. This supports the choice that highlights legal and constitutional guarantees.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Privileges granted at the discretion of the government can be taken away without legal protection and therefore are not civil liberties. Natural rights in a state of nature refer to philosophical ideas of pre social rights, which may not be formally recognised or enforceable in a legal system. Democratic goals and party slogans are political aspirations, not specific legally defined liberties. Temporary benefits given by a ruling party are examples of political patronage, not of rights that all citizens enjoy and can defend in court.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse natural rights and civil liberties because both involve the language of rights. However, natural rights may or may not be recognised by a constitution, whereas civil liberties are, by definition, those rights that are legally guaranteed. Another common mistake is to treat any good thing promised by a democracy as a civil liberty, when in fact civil liberties are a more precise category of protected freedoms.

Final Answer:
Rights guaranteed and protected by law, especially by the Constitution