Rights vs. Responsibilities CAN I?I?

RIGHTS Definition: Things that you are allowed to do because of nature or because of law

“Because of Nature” A long time ago a man named John Locke said that every human pursues three things: life (survival), liberty (freedom), and property (owning things to help us survive). Mr. Locke called these NATURAL RIGHTS.

“Because of Law” Just as all people have natural rights, there are also rights that are created by the laws. For example, Congress can pass a law that gives people new rights!

Types of Rights Personal Rights allow people to live how they want as long as it doesn’t get in the way of other people’s rights. Political Rights allow people to participate in the political process. We need participation to have democracy. People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups with some examples.

Types of Rights Personal Rights o Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! o Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! o Right to own Property Political Rights o Right to Assemble People can meet together! o Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! o Right to Equal Protection Under Law People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups with some examples.

PERSONAL OR POLITICAL? Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Hint: Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want?

Types of Rights Personal Rights o Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! o Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! o Right to own Property o Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Political Rights o Right to Assemble People can meet together! o Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! o Right to Equal Protection Under Law People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. The freedom to believe what you want is a PERSONAL RIGHT!

Right to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! Hint: Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want? PERSONAL OR POLITICAL?

Types of Rights Personal Rights o Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! o Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! o Right to own Property o Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Political Rights o Right to Assemble People can meet together! o Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! o Right to Equal Protection Under Law o Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. The freedom to ask for change is a POLITICAL RIGHT!

Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues! Hint: Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want? PERSONAL OR POLITICAL?

Types of Rights Personal Rights o Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! o Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! o Right to own Property o Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Political Rights o Right to Assemble People can meet together! o Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! o Right to Equal Protection Under Law o Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! o Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues! The freedom to elect representatives is a POLITICAL RIGHT!

Freedom of Movement People can go where and when they want to! Hint: Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want? PERSONAL OR POLITICAL?

Types of Rights Personal Rights o Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! o Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! o Right to own Property o Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! o Freedom of Movement People can go where and when they want! Political Rights o Right to Assemble People can meet together! o Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! o Right to Equal Protection Under Law o Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! o Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues! People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. The freedom to move is a PERSONAL RIGHT!

Types of Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. We can gather and speak our minds! Personal Rights o Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! o Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! o Right to own Property o Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! o Freedom of Movement People can go where and when they want! Political Rights o Right to Assemble People can meet together! o Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! o Right to Equal Protection Under Law o Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! o Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues!

What Do All These Rights Mean For Me? With rights, or freedoms, come… RESPONSIBILITY!!!

RESPONSIBILITIES Definition: The expectation that you will take care of certain things or perform duties

Types of Responsibility Personal Duties Things you have to do! o Jury Duty o Pay Taxes o Obey Laws o Register for Selective Service o Get an Education Social Responsibilities Things you should do! o Stay Informed o Tolerate Others o Protect Public Safety o Register to Vote o Speak Your Mind Just like rights, there are different kinds of responsibilities. We must pay taxes and should register to vote!

Yes! As a student, your list of responsibilities might look a little different. Your list may not include voting, but it probably includes respecting authority. I’m a student… Do I have responsibilities??