What role do Civil Liberties play in American Democracy?

Civil liberties are the backbone of American democratic freedom.  The Bill of Rights 1791 (first 10 Amendments) guarantees individual rights that the government cannot violate such as the right to religious and political freedom, the right to a speedy trial with a jury of ones' peers. (read over the Bill of Rights for additional guarantees) In addition, between 1870 and 1971 five additional amendments increased the civil liberties of Americans they include #14 equal protection under the law/federalizes due process #15 male suffrage, #19 female suffrage, #24 abolishing poll taxes, #26 voting age set at 18 years of age. Moreover, many decisions of the Supreme Court have also served to define and expand the role of civil liberties in the U.S., among them Miranda v. Arizona 1966, Gideon v. Wainwright 1963, Tinker v. Des Moines School District 1969. HOWEVER, INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS/FREEDOMS ARE NOT ABSOLUTE meaning that in the U.S. freedom of individual expression walks hand in hand with the security and well being of society. There is always a delicate balance between these powerful perspectives,   which is why the protection, definition, and understanding the scope of civil liberties is vital to the success of American democracy.