Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

Which concept is central to the legal framework established by Roe v. Wade?

1. Gun control rights.

2. Reproductive rights.

3. Religious freedom.

4. Privacy rights.

The correct answer is: Privacy rights.

The central concept established by Roe v. Wade is grounded in the idea of privacy rights. The Supreme Court determined that the right to privacy, although not explicitly stated in the Constitution, is implicit in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision recognized a woman's right to choose to have an abortion as part of her right to privacy, which covers personal decisions concerning family and reproduction. Understanding this ruling requires acknowledgment of the legal and social dynamics surrounding women's rights to control their own bodies. The Court argued that the state's interest in regulating abortions must be balanced against a woman's right to privacy. While reproductive rights are closely related and often discussed in the context of Roe v. Wade, the ruling itself is fundamentally based on the broader concept of privacy. This privacy framework has implications that extend beyond reproductive decisions, influencing various aspects of individual liberties over time. The other options do not directly connect to the legal reasoning in Roe v. Wade, focusing instead on different rights and issues not at the center of this landmark case.