Natural Rights

Definition

Natural rights are the fundamental rights that every individual possesses simply by being human. These rights, often viewed as inherent and inalienable, include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The concept emphasizes that these rights are not granted by any government or authority but are a part of human existence, influencing ideas of governance and individual freedoms throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural rights were a key principle during the Enlightenment, shaping revolutionary ideas about governance and individual liberties.
2. John Locke's philosophy articulated that natural rights are universal and should be protected by governments, forming the basis for modern democratic thought.
3. The concept of natural rights influenced the American colonists' resistance against British rule, as they felt their rights were being violated.
4. The Declaration of Independence emphasized natural rights by stating that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
5. Natural rights are still referenced in contemporary discussions about human rights and government accountability.

Review Questions

• How did the Enlightenment philosophy shape the understanding of natural rights and influence American constitutionalism?
  • Enlightenment philosophers, particularly John Locke, argued that individuals possess inherent natural rights that must be protected by governments. This understanding influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution, leading them to establish a system that prioritized individual liberties and limited governmental power. The incorporation of natural rights into American political thought was essential in creating a constitutional framework that aimed to safeguard these fundamental freedoms.
• Discuss how British colonial policies prompted American colonists to assert their natural rights in the face of perceived oppression.
  • British colonial policies such as taxation without representation and restrictions on trade were viewed by American colonists as violations of their natural rights. This sense of injustice fueled resistance movements and ultimately led to calls for independence. Colonists believed they were entitled to certain rights simply because they were human, leading to widespread sentiment against British rule and a desire for self-governance based on these principles.
• Evaluate the significance of natural rights in the Declaration of Independence and its lasting impact on American democracy.
  • The Declaration of Independence articulates the significance of natural rights by stating that all individuals are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This assertion laid the groundwork for American democracy, emphasizing that governments exist to protect these unalienable rights. The impact has been profound; it established a foundation for civil liberties and has continued to inspire movements for equality and justice both domestically and internationally.

Related terms

John Locke:

An influential Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas on natural rights greatly impacted political thought, arguing that individuals have the right to life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract:

A theory that individuals consent to form a government that protects their natural rights, in exchange for some of their freedoms; central to Enlightenment political philosophy.

Consent of the Governed:

The principle that a government's legitimacy comes from the consent of the people it governs, closely linked to the protection of natural rights.