Which term describes the concept that the Constitution protects unenumerated rights inferred from the Bill of Rights?

• A. enumerated powers
• B. due process
• C. penumbras
• D. selective incorporation

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the Constitution protects rights beyond those that are explicitly listed. Penumbras describe those implied rights that flow from the Bill of Rights and the Constitution’s overall framework. A classic example is the right to privacy, inferred from several amendments and used to justify privacy protections even though not spelled out in a single amendment. That’s why this term fits best. Enumerated powers refer to specific authorities given to Congress, not to unenumerated rights. Due process is about fair treatment under the law and can support protections, but the term that captures the idea of implied rights from the Bill of Rights is penumbras. Selective incorporation concerns applying rights to the states, not the existence of unenumerated rights themselves.