Fiveable
Fiveable

Individual Rights

Definition

Individual rights are the fundamental liberties and privileges that are granted to every person as a member of a society. These rights protect individuals from undue government interference and ensure their freedom, equality, and autonomy.

Analogy

Think of individual rights as the rules of a game. Just like in a game, where everyone has certain rights and freedoms that allow them to play fairly and enjoyably, individual rights in society provide the necessary framework for people to live freely and equally.

Related terms

Civil Liberties: These are specific individual rights that protect citizens from government actions or intrusions into their private lives.

Human Rights: These are universal entitlements that all individuals should possess regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or any other characteristic.

Constitutional Rights: These are the fundamental legal protections guaranteed by a country's constitution, which outline citizens' basic freedoms and limitations on governmental power.

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.