U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyHard
A group of students is discussing the concept of 'unalienable rights' as mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. They ask, 'What does it mean for a right to be unalienable?'
- AIt means the right applies only to citizens born within the United States.
- BIt means the right can be taken away by the government if deemed necessary for national security.
- CIt means the right can be granted or revoked by a majority vote of the people.
- DIt means the right is inherent to all human beings and cannot be legitimately taken away.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It means the right is inherent to all human beings and cannot be legitimately taken away.
Unalienable rights are those inherent to all individuals from birth, not granted by government, and therefore cannot be legitimately surrendered or taken away by any human authority.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option is incorrect; the concept of unalienable rights applies to all human beings, not just citizens or those born in the U.S.
- B. This option is incorrect; unalienable rights are precisely those that cannot be taken away by government.
- C. This option is incorrect; unalienable rights are not subject to majority vote.
Unalienable Rights (Meaning)
Rights that are considered to be an intrinsic part of human nature, existing independently of government and thus cannot be transferred or surrendered.
- Inherent to all people.
- Cannot be taken away or given up.
- Not granted by government.
Memory trick: Unalienable: Un-take-away-able, un-give-away-able, inherent, from the start, for every heart.