1. IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

2. IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

3. IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
— That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

4. What does living in a democracy provide that is most important to you?
life without fear
safety – human rights protections
freedom of speech
say in the government
voting
freedom to protest
freedom to make choices
equality

5. Why do we have laws?
to secure our rights

6. “Every life has equal value.” –Bill and Melinda Gates
past rights
Used to be considered special privileges, enjoyed by certain groups of people
hierarchical
no equality between groups or classes
role in society defined by group born into
Natural rights opposite
station in life should not determine rights
“Every life has equal value.” –Bill and Melinda Gates

7. The Ideas of John Locke 1632-1704
People are born with Natural Rights
Life – survive; be free from threats to security (civil/ political rights)
Liberty – make own decisions; live as you please (civil/ political rights)
Property – freedom to work and gain economic goods such as land, houses, tools, $ which are necessary for survival (economic rights)

8. The Ideas of John Locke
We have these rights simply because we are human; given by God
inalienable – can’t be taken away
Social Contract
Government only exists because the people choose it to exist.
The people choose to be governed, and therefore have the power in a society.
If gov’t is not working, get rid of it.

9. What are human rights?
definition: freedoms and protections to which all humans are entitled.
“Human rights are those rights which are essential for us to live as human beings. Without human rights, we cannot fully develop ourselves and use our human qualities, our intelligence, our talent and our spirituality.” United Nations

10. Why do we have a Bill of Rights?
ppl feared a federal gov’t that would violate citizens’ right
quiet fears of a powerful central government
vagueness of some powers could be used for unlimited power (necessary and proper)
rights not enumerated could be violated

11. around the world
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
This set a common standard on human rights for all nations.

12. poverty
“A few generations ago, almost everybody was poor. The Industrial Revolution led to new riches, but much of the world was left behind.” -Jeffery Sachs
Nearly half of the 6 billion people in the world are poor.

13. Three Degrees of Poverty
extreme poverty: an income of less than $1 a day; means households cannot meet basic needs for survival.
chronically hungry
unable to get healthcare
lack of safe drinking water and sanitation
cannot afford education for their children
lack of adequate shelter and clothing
This is the poverty that kills
only exists in developing nations

14. Three Degrees of Poverty
moderate poverty: living on $1-2 a day. Basic needs are met, but just barely.
relative poverty: the household income is below a given proportion of the national average; lacking things that the middleclass take for granted.

15. poverty and human rights
“…much of the one-sixth of humanity in extreme poverty suffers the ravages of AIDS, drought, isolation and civil wars, and is there by trapped in a vicious cycle of deprivation and death.” -Jeffrey Sachs
Currently more than 8 million people around the world die each year because they are too poor to survive. -Jeffery Sachs

16. “Not only does a lack of peace often lead to poverty, it is as well one of poverty’s symptoms.”
-The Carter Center