National emergencies can have significant impacts on civil liberties, often leading to the suspension or limitation of rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and due process. Governments may enact emergency measures to ensure public safety, but these actions can create a slippery slope toward authoritarianism. History shows that leaders can misuse emergencies to consolidate power and undermine democratic institutions. As such, the balance between protecting national security and preserving civil liberties becomes crucial in maintaining a functioning democracy during times of crisis.