Natural Rights and Political Philosophy

Definition: Natural rights are fundamental rights that humans are born with, not granted by governments.
Key Rights: They include the rights to life, liberty, and property as identified by John Locke.
Inalienability: These rights are considered inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or surrendered.
Importance: Natural rights form the basis for individual freedom and the pursuit of happiness in a democratic society.

Definition: The social contract theory posits that individuals voluntarily give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection and social order.
Purpose: This agreement ensures that everyone benefits from living in an organized society.
Metaphor: Think of it like a deal: you give up some individual rights to get security and stability.

Natural Rights: Inherent rights like life, liberty, and property.
State of Nature: The condition before government where people are free but vulnerable.
Responsibilities: Citizens must respect the government and laws.

Thomas Hobbes
- State of Nature: Brutal and insecure.
- Social Contract: Individuals give up all rights for order.
- Purpose of Government: To provide absolute security.
John Locke
- State of Nature: Free but insecure.
- Social Contract: Individuals retain some rights; the government can be overthrown.
- Purpose of Government: To protect natural rights.
Contrasting Views: Hobbes believed people must give up almost all their rights for security, while Locke believed individuals should keep some rights to hold the government accountable.

Definition: Popular sovereignty means that the power to govern comes from the people.
Citizen Engagement: Citizens have the right to choose their leaders and laws through voting.
Accountability: This mechanism makes the government accountable to the public it serves.

Definition: Republicanism is a form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Difference from Direct Democracy: Unlike direct democracy, where everyone votes on every issue, republicanism empowers elected officials to represent the people's interests and craft effective laws.

Key Element	Description
Elected Representatives	Citizens choose individuals to represent them.
Accountability	Representatives are responsible to the voters.
Rule of Law	Laws are applied equally to all, including elected officials.
Checks and Balances	Different branches of government oversee each other.

Connection to Popular Sovereignty: Republicanism connects to popular sovereignty by ensuring that the representatives are elected by the people and accountable to them, maintaining a balance between individual rights and collective decision-making.