The work outlines the fundamental principles of natural rights, emphasizing that the maintenance of these rights is the primary purpose of societal union. It asserts that civil and political rights include liberty, equality, security, property, social protection, and the right to resist oppression. Liberty is defined as the freedom to act as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others, with the law serving as the expression of the general will that protects these rights. Equality is highlighted as the equal enjoyment of rights for all individuals, with laws applying uniformly, regardless of the individual’s status. Security is described as the protection of citizens' rights and property, with legal processes governing accusations and detentions to prevent arbitrary actions. The presumption of innocence is emphasized, along with the necessity for laws to be enacted before offenses occur, ensuring that penalties are proportionate and necessary for public safety. Property rights are affirmed, allowing individuals to control their possessions and engage in commerce freely, while prohibiting the sale of oneself. The work stresses that no one can be deprived of property without consent, except under specific legal conditions, and that taxation must serve the general welfare. Education is deemed a societal obligation, and the sovereignty of the nation is declared as indivisible and inalienable, residing in the people. The text insists that no individual or group can claim sovereignty without legal delegation. It calls for clear legal boundaries for public administration and accountability for public officials. The right to resist oppression is underscored, identifying oppression as any violation of natural rights by law or public officials. The work advocates for legal means to address such oppression, asserting that a government must allow for constitutional reform and that no generation can impose its laws on future generations, rejecting hereditary positions in governance as tyrannical.
By Thomas Paine · First published 1791 · Genre: Political Philosophy, Social Contract Theory, Legal Theory