Individual Rights
Constitutional Principles: Keri Grant Jaylan
Why is it significant?
Individual rights are very important because they protect people from a corrupt government. These rights ensure that the government cannot abuse its own power against the will of the people.
Where have individual rights been inspired from?
The Petition of Rights influenced the idea of individual rights. The Petition of Rights created four main rights that were included in the Constitution. These rights founded the basic principles of individual rights.
John Locke created the natural rights, which are life, liberty, and property. These ideas were in the Bill of Rights, which is located in the Constitution. John Locke's natural rights directly influenced the Constitution.
Historical Examples
Throughout history, individual rights have been very important and prominent in government. Some examples of Individual rights or movements are here:
- Martin Luther King Jr. led an equal rights movement for African Americans
- Abraham Lincoln created the Emancipation Proclamation, abolishing slavery and creating individual rights for many
- Ancient Rome men had their own rights, including the right to vote.
First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
—First Amendment
This picture emphasizes that individual rights are set, and that they cannot be removed from citizens.
Individual Rights