Right, wrong, good, bad, black, white, these are all daily words that result in the formation of opinions in society. As early as Adam and Eve a decision of right, wrong, good,or and bad have been a part of choices that define a person. Therefore, one may ask the who, what, where and why regarding the meaning of “rights” and receive various conflicting answers based upon the opinions of the person answering. As indicated in course lectures and the textbook, Classic Philosophical Questions, many authors present varying and diverse opinions regarding the reason, truth, and principles of the word “rights.” So what is the meaning of “rights”? In my opinion, the meaning of the word “rights” is best understood through an explaination of the concepts …show more content…
The word “rights” gains meaning and understanding from the idea behind the word rules. Most often when one receives specific rights there are rules that must be accepted, understood, and enforces. These rules, provide a basis and foundation that the individual or group must adhere to in order for the priviledge of any rights be granted. Without the formation and acceptance of rules there would be chaos, turmoil, and dysfunction within any society or political system. As indicated in the lectures and readings of Thomas Hobbes, “Monarchy is Best”, all views from all sides of the table are best to be heard, the good, bad, right and wrong, By analyzing more information, one is able to more accurately utilize valuable the information for the benefit of all. However, there appears to be contradiction within Hobbes’ theory, because his ideas cater to the higher hierarchy. People with money, power or of upper class society would have different rights than the people of lesser class. In past societies and in present day, there are examples of preferential treatment base upon power, money, or class position. In the past societies, kings often granted …show more content…
This aspect within the meaning of rights, in my opinion emphasizes the relationship between a “right” asa it represents a privilege. One might think that being a citizen of the United Sates of America provides the individual certain “rights”, however it is essentially a privilege at granted rights, which the individual must treat responsibly. Discussed during the lectures on John Locke’s theory, “Democracy Is Best”, mentioned is that a person discovers themselves from their own sense in life, therefore creating a right to life. Also the government of the United States of America has the responsibility to serve and protect the people and the community. Other examples include, as a minor matures and becomes an adult is: the right to vote ar the eighteen, later the right to consume alcohol at the age of twenty one years old. These rights which are guaranteed and granted by the government come with great levels of responsility and
The Constitution lays out the rights and obligations of the newly formed United States government. But, what of the rights and obligations of its citizens? Starting in 1791 only two years after the Constitution was ratified the Constitution began to evolve and this process continues to this day. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. This Bill of Rights outlines the protections which citizens have from the government of the United States. The question raised in the title of this paper is; Are the Bill of Rights, written well over 200 years ago still relevant today? Of course they are and probably even more so. To illustrate this fact we will examine each of the ten amendments rewrite each one using common everyday language of today and if possible discuss why this was important in 1791 and why we may or may not need this document in writing today. In restating each amendment I will try to write it as if it is a brand new document, which is a stretch to say the least. With out the struggle of the colonies through war and abuse by the English Monarchy would one have the foresight to see how a government may take for granted the rights of its citizenry?
What are the rights of a government? Does the government have the right to control what we think and where we get our intellectual stimulation? After the Constitution of the United States was drafted, a Bill of Rights containing ten articles was adopted and ratified by the thirteen states. In the first article, it guaranteed the people the freedom of religion, speech, the press, and public assembly. People were given the right to enrich themselves with knowledge accumulated through their readings from whatever source they chose and to make criticism towards the government as they saw fit. Because of the liberty given to its people, it is no wonder that the United States government is considered a model government in the world today. Any sound government would allow its people to make their own free judgement according to their knowledge from any sources they may gather.
Citizens of the first civilizations were under the rule of a single king, although they maintained some control over their lifestyles. They led stable, peaceful years under the king’s rule. Since the king was responsible for commanding the weather and storing grain to prevent the people from starving in
- These rights are natural rights, petitions, bills of rights, declarations of the rights of man etc.
Citizens of any country are given some rights as well as responsibilities, and the United States of America is no exception. The Constitution (US Const) of the USA as well as the first ten amendments, also known as “Bill of Rights”, defines the framework of it. It is a supreme law that defines how Federal Government works.
Chapter fourteen of our text book covers the 3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, and 14th amendments which cover different rights of the government and the people. In this paper, I will be summarizing these amendments and how they are important to us.
Each individual is given fundamental rights for solely being a human being. Regardless of his or her nation, language, or religion everyone is given these
the rights of the citizens of the United States. Following these Amendments can afford our
Two hundred and twenty five years ago, a document was added to our constitution granting us five ideals. This document was called the Bill of Rights, which granted us the basic rights of opportunity, liberty, equality, democracy and rights. Since the Bill of Rights was added, not all of the ideals have been obeyed consistently. Liberty, rights, and democracy have been followed well throughout the years, but opportunity and equality have fluctuated. Although the constitution and bill of rights says every american should be granted with these ideals, some americans simply did not make that so.
According to the U.S. constitution, fundamental rights hold a special significance under the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments. The Fourteenth amendment states that, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without Due Process of law; nor deny to any person within its ju...
Human rights are the inborn and universal rights of every human being regardless of religion, class, gender, culture, age, ability or nationality, that ensure basic freedom and dignity. In order to live a life with self-respect and dignity basic human rights are required.
Without the rights available for the people, ultimately makes them subjects to the government in society rather than citizens. Human rights allow individuals or citizens of the society to govern themselves freely, openly, publicly and repeatedly. Particularly, freedom of speech is an inextricable aspect of a stable and order democratic society. Freedom of speech allows the one to speak his/her mind confidently, gives the free will or avenue to challenge the representatives of or the government (protests, written letter to the government), and/or in other words giving the community the reassurance that his/her voice is heard, ultimately everything is done in the best interest for them (no space for abuse of power)—a democracy. A civil society allows for animated debate among those in disagreement over the issues. In the modern United States, even major issues of national security, war, and peace are discussed freely and assertively in the media, that is newspapers or broadcast televisions or radios, even those who are opposed to the administrations’ foreign policy can easily publicize their views. To add on, another example that demonstrates that the other five characteristics would not exist without human rights is the right to vote and the freedom of speech. The right of vote and the freedom of speech allows citizens in the community to anonymously elect a government representative from the
A general definition of human rights are that they are rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled to, simply because there human. It is the idea that ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.’ The thought that human rights are universal emerges from the philosophical view that human rights are linked to the conservation of human dignity- that respect for individual dignity is needed regardless of the circumstance, leading to the notion that human rights are universal. The earliest form of human rights can be traced back to European history- the French Declaration on the Rights of Man and of Citizen which says that men are born free and equal in rights.
…rights which are inherent to the human being ... human rights acknowledges that every single human being is entitled to enjoy his or her human rights without distinction as to race, [color], sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. [To add on, human] rights are legally guaranteed by human rights law, protecting individuals and groups against actions that interfere with fundamental freedoms and human dignity (Human rights for
As citizens of the United States, and as people living under a democracy, the government has certain responsibilities to us. We are guaranteed union, justice, tranquility, defense, welfare, and liberty. These rights are all very important to the well being of our country and the states that exist in it. I feel that there are three that are a little more important than the others.