The Government Class Book

d Liberty

the free enjoyment of their rights. But a more particular definition of rights and

ur own; and we are justly entitled to the free use and enjoyment of it. We have a right also to be free in our actions. We may go where we please, and do what ever we think

ence they are also called inalienable. We may, however, forfeit them by some offense or crime. If, for example, a man is fined for breaking a law, he loses his right to t

y to our bodies, or persons, or our good names; the right of personal liberty, or the liberty of moving, acting, or speaking without unjust restraint; and the right of property, or the right to acquire and enjoy property. The terms rights of pe

the people united under one government, is called the political body, or body politic. The right of the people to choose and establish for themselves a form of governme

hich the terms are here used--there is this difference: political rights are those secured by the political or fundamental law, called the constitution; civil rights are more properly

and manner which he believes in his conscience to be most acceptable to his Maker. This right is called also the right of conscience.

h, that "all men are created equal;" that is, born with the same rights. And if men, as social and moral beings, are fitted by nature and designed for government

ass of rights referred to. Thus the exercise of rights guarantied by the constitution or political law, is called political liberty. The free enjoyme

when we have not the liberty of using it. John has a pencil which is justly his own; but James takes it from him by force. John's liberty to

John's right to his pencil, being guarantied to him by the laws of civil society, is a civil right. It is with