The difference between civil rights and civil liberties in political discourse is primarily about the scope of protections afforded to individuals. Civil rights refer to the government-mandated protections against discrimination and the assurance of equal treatment under the law, securing fair access to opportunities and resources. In contrast, civil liberties are individual freedoms protected from government interference, such as the right to free speech, privacy, and due process. While civil rights aim to promote social equality and protect vulnerable groups, civil liberties focus on limiting governmental power to ensure personal freedoms.