What does the Constitution protect for Americans?

The Constitution of the United States is designed to protect a wide range of fundamental rights for Americans, which are often referred to as "basic rights." These include, but are not limited to, civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to due process. The Constitution sets forth these protections to ensure that individuals can exercise their freedoms without undue interference from the government.

While property rights, political rights, and economic rights are important aspects of American rights, they fall under the broader umbrella of basic rights that the Constitution guarantees. For example, political rights like voting are part of the basic rights that enable citizens to participate in their governance. Similarly, economic rights, which may encompass the right to own property and engage in commerce, are also integral to the social contract but are not the sole focus of constitutional protections.

By highlighting "basic rights," the correct answer captures the essence of the Constitution’s role in safeguarding the essential freedoms and protections that contribute to a democratic and just society.