CHAPTER 5 DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS

Democratic rights

Rights that are necessary for people to live freely

Life without rights

A situation where people are denied basic freedoms

Guantanamo Bay

Prison run by the US Navy where people were detained without trial and denied basic rights.

Amnesty International

An international human rights organization that reports on violations of rights worldwide.

UN Secretary General

The chief administrative officer of the United Nations who called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison.

Rights in Saudi Arabia

People have no role in electing rulers

Discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia

Women face many restrictions; the testimony of one man equals that of two women.

Ethnic massacre in Kosovo

Mass killing and expulsion of ethnic Albanians by the Serb-dominated Yugoslav government in 1999.

Slobodan Milosevic

Serb nationalist leader responsible for ethnic violence in Kosovo

Rights

Claims of a person over other fellow beings

Reasonable claims

Rights must be fair and possible for everyone to have equally.

Rights and obligations

Rights come with the duty to respect the rights of others.

Legal rights

Rights that are recognized and enforced by law.

Moral rights

Rights that are based on moral values but may not be legally enforceable.

Violation of rights

When an individual's rights are not respected or protected by others or the government.

Enforcement of rights

The process by which citizens can approach courts to protect their rights if violated.

Importance of rights in democracy

Rights are essential for the sustenance of democracy and protect minorities from majority oppression.

Fundamental Rights

Rights given a special status in the Indian Constitution as essential for the development of every individual.

Rule of law

The principle that all people

Right to Equality

The right that prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion

Equality before law

All people are treated equally by the law

Equal access to public places

Every citizen can access shops

No special privileges

No person

Right to vote

The right of every adult citizen to participate in elections.

Right to be elected

The right of every citizen to stand for public office.

Right to freedom of expression

The right to express opinions freely

Right to form political parties

The right to organize and participate in political activities.

Protection of minorities

Rights ensure that minorities are not oppressed by the majority.

Constitution

The supreme law that guarantees and protects the rights of citizens.

Judiciary

The branch of government that protects rights and ensures laws are followed.

Fundamental Rights in India

Rights such as equality

Right to Constitutional Remedies

The right to approach the courts if Fundamental Rights are violated.

Expansion of rights

The scope of rights has increased over time

International treaties

Agreements between countries that set standards for human rights (e.g.

Custodial violence

Illegal or unfair treatment of people in police custody

Force-feeding prisoners

Forcing prisoners on hunger strike to eat

Discrimination in India

Examples include unequal treatment of women and caste-based discrimination.

Public interest litigation (PIL)

A legal action initiated in court for the protection of public interest and rights.

Majority vs. minority

Democratic rights protect minorities from the possible tyranny of the majority.

Constitutional protection

Rights are written in the Constitution to prevent the government from taking them away.

Violation by elected governments

Even elected governments may sometimes violate citizens’ rights.

Judicial review

Courts have the power to declare laws or actions invalid if they violate rights.

Rights and democracy

Rights are the foundation of a true democracy and necessary for its functioning.