Civil liberties understood in terms of negative rights means that the government has limited power and authority so that individuals can enjoy freedom. government must provide things like healthcare. government has an obligation to assist individuals in enjoying all their rights. government is prohibited from exercising authority.

Civil liberties understood in terms of negative rights means that the government has limited power and authority so that individuals can enjoy freedom. Negative rights may include civil and political rights such as freedom of speech, life, private property, freedom from violent crime, religion, habeas corpus, from slavery, and a fair trial.