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Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen

Definition

The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen was a document drafted during the French Revolution in 1789. It proclaimed the fundamental rights and freedoms that all French citizens should possess, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Analogy

The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen is like a rulebook for a game. Just as a rulebook outlines the rights and responsibilities of players, this declaration outlined the rights that all French citizens should have.

Related terms

Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement during the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, progress, and individual liberties.

Social Contract: The social contract theory suggests that individuals agree to give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection and security.

Natural Rights: Natural rights are inherent human rights that cannot be taken away or violated by any authority.