The notion of a basic right Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The notion of a basic right - Essay Example There is no law or declaration needed for him to enjoy that right. Nor can there be law or declaration that can stop him from enjoying that right as well. Another example is the basic right of a laborer to receive wages. As long as one is considered as an employee, the right to receive wage is already implied. Maybe a contract is needed to stipulate how much he will receive and how often he'll receive it, but no clause in a contract is needed to establish that right, nor can there be a clause depriving him of the right to receive wages. With or without a contract, one shall be paid for his labor. So we have established two aspects of basic right. First, it is automatic. And second, it is inalienable. It is automatic because as mentioned earlier, for as long as one has the status, one has the right - no need for a grant or declaration. It is inalienable because it cannot be taken away from him. He cannot be deprived of it, nor can he surrender it. As the clich goes, no man is an island. Therefore we have evolved not just into human beings but into social beings as well. We humans cannot live solely by ourselves. It doesn't matter how big or small our community is. It may only consist of our immediate families like in primitive tribes, or it may consist of millions of people like in a highly urbanized city. The point is; we have to co-exist with another. And because of this, civilization as we know it evolved. An important part in all forms of societies is the government, as it holds the society together. It may not be the complex form of government like the one we have now. It can be as simple as a group of elders in a tribe. The important thing is they provide order and security in the community. Since the government charts the course of the community, what now is the role of the individual members If a person is not a leader nor is part of the government, will he have any say on the way the community is being led Will he have any participation at all For example, in a democracy, though there is a central body governing the people, major decisions are made by all the members, like the act of voting during senatorial or presidential elections. Individuals may also give their views in forums or survey that will be considered by the people in their government. They may have rallies to convey their approval or disapproval in the way they are being led. Participation may come in different forms. The important thing is, the opinion of a member is considered. And such opinion may influence the direction of the nation. Government Participation as a Basic Right The community is composed of individuals; a country is composed of its citizens. Hence, whatever it is the government does, ultimately, it will affect the individuals composing it - its citizens. For example, a state chooses to impose a certain tax to be used to build infrastructures. Obviously, all the citizens will pay it. Everyone within its territory is affects. And because of this, it is but fair that individual members consulted or at least have a say in government activities. However can we consider government participation as a basic right First test: Is it Automatic We have said earlier, basic rights are automatic. As such, can we say that all humans have the right to participate in their corresponding governments If one is an American citizen, is he granted the basic right to particip