Rights vs. Responsibilities CAN I? Rights vs. Responsibilities

Things that you are allowed to do because of nature or because of law RIGHTS Definition: Things that you are allowed to do because of nature or because of law

“Because of Nature” A long time ago John Locke said that every human pursues three things: life (survival), liberty (freedom), and property (owning things to help us survive). Locke called these NATURAL RIGHTS.

“Because of Law” Just as all people have natural rights, there are also rights that are created by the laws. For example, Congress can pass a law that gives people new rights!

Types of Rights Political Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups with some examples. Political Rights allow people to participate in the political process. We need participation to have democracy. Personal Rights allow people to live how they want as long as it doesn’t get in the way of other people’s rights.

Types of Rights Personal Rights Freedom of Speech Political Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups with some examples. Personal Rights Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! Right to own Property Political Rights Right to Assemble People can meet together! Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! Right to Equal Protection Under Law

People can believe what they want! Personal or Political? Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want?

The freedom to believe what you want is a PERSONAL RIGHT! Types of Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. Personal Rights Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! Right to own Property Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Political Rights Right to Assemble People can meet together! Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! Right to Equal Protection Under Law The freedom to believe what you want is a PERSONAL RIGHT!

People can ask the government for change without fear! Personal or Political? Right to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want?

The freedom to ask for change is a POLITICAL RIGHT! Types of Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. Personal Rights Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! Right to own Property Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Political Rights Right to Assemble People can meet together! Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! Right to Equal Protection Under Law Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! The freedom to ask for change is a POLITICAL RIGHT!

People can elect representatives and vote on issues! Personal or Political? Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues! Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want?

The freedom to elect representatives is a POLITICAL RIGHT! Types of Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. Personal Rights Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! Right to own Property Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Political Rights Right to Assemble People can meet together! Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! Right to Equal Protection Under Law Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues! The freedom to elect representatives is a POLITICAL RIGHT!

People can go where and when they want to! Personal or Political? Freedom of Movement People can go where and when they want to! Would this impact people participating in the political process OR would it have a bigger impact on people living their lives the way they want?

The freedom to move is a PERSONAL RIGHT! Types of Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. Personal Rights Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! Right to own Property Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Freedom of Movement People can go where and when they want! Political Rights Right to Assemble People can meet together! Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! Right to Equal Protection Under Law Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues! The freedom to move is a PERSONAL RIGHT!

Types of Rights Personal Rights Political Rights People put rights into all kinds of categories, but here are the two main groups. Personal Rights Freedom of Speech People can say what they think! Freedom from Discrimination People must be treated equally! Right to own Property Freedom of Religion People can believe what they want! Freedom of Movement People can go where and when they want! Political Rights Right to Assemble People can meet together! Freedom of the Press People can print the facts they want! Right to Equal Protection Under Law Freedom to Petition People can ask the government for change without fear! Right to Vote People can elect representatives and vote on issues!

Do I Have Rights? As a student, you have rights, but your rights are limited to protect you and your peers. For example, you can’t say whatever you want in a speech at a school event. Your school can require you to be respectful and appropriate. When you are an adult, you have more freedom to do and say what you want. Why might it be important for students to have limited rights in school? Give ONE reason it might be important.

What Do All These Rights Mean For Me? With rights, or freedoms, come… RESPONSIBILITY!!!

RESPONSIBILITIES Definition: The expectation that you will take care of certain things or perform duties

Types of Responsibility Just like rights, there are different kinds of responsibilities. Personal Duties Things you have to do! Jury Duty Pay Taxes Obey Laws Register for Selective Service Get an Education Social Responsibilities Things you should do! Stay Informed Tolerate Others Protect Public Safety Register to Vote Speak Your Mind

YES! Is voting a right? Is voting also a responsibility? Do they ever overlap? YES! Is voting a right? Is voting also a responsibility?

YES! What if you yelled “FIRE!” in a crowded movie theater? Do they ever conflict? YES! What if you yelled “FIRE!” in a crowded movie theater? What RIGHT might be involved? What RESPONSIBILITY might be involved?

In the crowded movie theater scenario, which is more important: The right? Or the responsibility? The responsibility. Even though you have a right to free speech, you have the responsibility to protect the public safety. It would be seriously unsafe to yell “FIRE!” in a crowded movie theater…