AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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Natural Rights

Definition

Natural Rights: a right considered to be conferred by natural law. The fundamental rights to which all humans are entitled without interference. Also referred to as Human Rights. This concept of natural law and natural rights were particularly popular in the 18th century. It has had great influence in the legal history of the USA, as seen, for example, in the Virginian Declaration of Rights: “All men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent natural rights of which when they enter a society they cannot by any compact deprive or divest their posterity”.

Example

 
 
 
 

Questions

  1. What are natural rights?

  2. According to the Framers of the Constitution, where did natural rights come from?

  3. Explain the connection between natural rights and human rights.

  4. What are some examples of specific natural rights protected in the Bill of Rights?

  5. Do all nations respect natural rights?

  6. Do you believe we all have natural rights?

  7. If so, where do these natural rights come from. If not, why not?

  8. What did the Framers believe people should do whose natural rights were being abridged?

  9. What were some groups that the Framers believed should have full natural rights?

  10. What groups did the Framers believe could be excluded from having full natural rights?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw natural rights! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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