Natural Rights and Government

Front

What are natural rights?

Back

Rights that we have because we are born and cannot be taken away.

Front

What are unalienable rights?

Back

Natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Front

What is the right to life?

Back

The right to live.

Front

What is liberty/freedom?

Back

The freedom to choose for ourselves, such as the freedom of speech.

Front

What is the pursuit of happiness?

Back

The ability to do things that make us happy, like choosing where to live and what to believe.

Front

How did King George violate the colonists' natural rights?

Back

Through taxation without representation (liberty), limiting trade (Navigation Act, Tea Act), forcing colonists to house soldiers (liberty and pursuit of happiness), and arresting colonists and sending them to England for trial (life).

Front

Where do governments get their power from?

Back

From the people.

Front

What is the main purpose of government?

Back

To protect the peoples' natural rights.

Front

What can people do if their government fails to protect their rights?

Back

Alter or abolish the government and put in place new safeguards.

Front

How can I alter the government?

Back

By voting and getting involved in my community.