The structure of government greatly influences civil liberties through the distribution of power and the checks and balances established by the constitution. Stronger separation of powers can help protect individual rights against potential governmental overreach, while governments with more centralized authority may pose a greater risk to civil freedoms. Judicial independence is crucial in defending civil liberties as it allows courts to uphold personal rights free from political pressures. Furthermore, legislative processes can also ensure the safeguarding of civil liberties by enacting protections against abuses of power by the government or other entities.