Definition
They may include speech, religion, privacy, property, due process, and political participation.
Political Dictionary
Individual Rights
Individual rights are protections belonging to persons rather than governments or groups.
Why It Matters
They limit government power and protect personal autonomy.
How It Works
Rights are protected through constitutions, laws, courts, and political institutions.
History
Modern rights theory developed through natural-law, constitutional, and human-rights traditions.
Example
A person may challenge a law that restricts protected speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Rights are unlimited.
- Only citizens have individual rights.
- Rights never conflict with one another.
Related Terms
Related Topics
See Also