Topics of contemporary conversation involving freedom and liberty that are referenced in the US Constitution.
Natural/Inalienable Rights: The belief that humans possess certain rights by nature, including life, liberty, and property, which governments cannot justly infringe upon.
Liberty: This principle emphasizes the power to think and act as one sees fit without restraint except by the laws of nature and without interfering with someone else’s rights.
Equality: All individuals have the same claim to natural rights and should be treated equally under the law.
Justice: A political order that protects the rights of all equally and ensures everyone is treated equally under the law.
Consent of the Governed/Popular Sovereignty: The idea that the power of government derives from the consent of the people, emphasizing that government exists to serve and protect individual rights.
Majority Rule/Minority Rights: Laws should be made with the consent of the majority but must not infringe on the inalienable rights of minorities.
Freedom of Religion: The right to choose one’s religion or form of worship without interference, highlighting freedom of conscience.
Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly: The right to express opinions freely, both orally and in writing, and to gather in groups without arbitrary restrictions.
Private Property: The natural right to create, obtain, and control one’s possessions, beliefs, faculties, and opinions, as well as the fruits of one’s labor.
Limited Government: The belief that government should have limited power, only intervening where necessary to protect individual liberties and not to provide equal outcomes.
Rule of Law: The principle that all citizens and government officials are subject to the law, ensuring no one is above it, which is fundamental to maintaining freedom.
Individual Autonomy: The assertion that individuals should have the liberty to govern their own lives, emphasizing personal responsibility and self-determination.
Free Market Economy: Advocates for minimal government regulation in economic activities to ensure prosperity through the free interaction of market forces.
Separation of Powers: The governance structure where powers are divided among different branches to check and balance each other, preventing tyranny.
Tolerance: Encouraging a society where different opinions, beliefs, and practices are tolerated, fostering a climate of mutual respect and freedom.
These principles reflect a common thread in discussions about freedom and liberty, focusing on individual rights, limited governmental intervention, and the protection of personal freedoms across various contexts.