Natural Rights theory and limited government
Natural Rights theory (basis of the American Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights):
1. all persons are born with natural rights ("life. liberty and the pursuit of happiness")
2. the law of nature (natural law) requires that everyone -- leaders included -- must not deprive others of their rights
3. a legitimate (legal) government must have the consent of the governed and must respect the rights of all
The standards for a limited government (as opposed to one with unlimited power) under natural rights theory are:
1. a constitution
2. fundamental law -- laws that everyone must follow (requires authority -- both the power to rule and the right to rule)
1. all persons are born with natural rights ("life. liberty and the pursuit of happiness")
2. the law of nature (natural law) requires that everyone -- leaders included -- must not deprive others of their rights
3. a legitimate (legal) government must have the consent of the governed and must respect the rights of all
The standards for a limited government (as opposed to one with unlimited power) under natural rights theory are:
1. a constitution
2. fundamental law -- laws that everyone must follow (requires authority -- both the power to rule and the right to rule)