Police Sergeant Practice Exam

Which entity is primarily protected by the rights expressed in the Constitution?

1. The individual citizens

2. The police force

3. The state governments

4. The Supreme Court

The correct answer is: The individual citizens

The Constitution primarily protects the rights of individual citizens. This protection is rooted in the Bill of Rights, which consists of the first ten amendments that guarantee fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to due process. These amendments were established to ensure that the government cannot infringe upon individual liberties, placing a strong emphasis on the dignity and rights of the person. While police forces, state governments, and the Supreme Court have their own defined roles and powers within the framework of state and federal law, the overarching principle of the Constitution is to safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals against infringement by the government. For example, the Fourth Amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures, which directly relates to individual rights. In summary, the focus on individual rights within the Constitution showcases the fundamental democratic principle that personal freedoms are paramount and must be upheld by the governing authorities, thereby ensuring a balance of power and protecting citizens from possible overreach.