Positive rights

Definition

Positive rights are entitlements to certain resources or services that the government, or society, is obliged to provide to individuals. These rights require action and involvement from the state to ensure they are upheld, such as the right to education or healthcare.

Related terms

Negative Rights:

Rights that require others, especially the government, to abstain from interfering with individual actions, like freedom of speech.

Social Contract:

A theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some freedoms and submit to an authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Constitutionalism:

The practice of limiting government powers by establishing laws and procedures that must be followed, ensuring the protection of citizens' rights