What do "civil rights" encompass?

Civil rights encompass the rights of citizens to receive equal treatment and access to opportunities regardless of characteristics such as race, gender, disability, or religion. These rights are fundamentally aimed at ensuring that individuals can participate fully in the political, social, and economic life of their society without discrimination or repression. This includes the right to vote, the right to free speech, and the right to equal protection under the law.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the essence of civil rights. The rights of corporations (the first option) relate to business entities and do not speak to the fundamental rights of individuals. Similarly, the second option focuses more on the financial aspects of political engagement rather than the broader societal and equality issues central to civil rights. Lastly, the rights of government agencies (the fourth option) concern the powers and roles of governmental entities rather than the protections and guarantees for individuals within the society. This distinction is crucial in understanding the scope and intent behind civil rights legislation and principles.