Which term describes rights inherently held by every person, such as life, liberty, and property, that cannot be removed by government?

• A. Civil rights
• B. Natural rights
• C. Human rights
• D. Political rights

Answer: (B)

Rights you’re born with and that government cannot take away are natural rights. These are seen as inherent and inalienable, with life, liberty, and property cited as classic examples because they exist independent of laws. The idea, drawn from thinkers like John Locke, is that governments exist to protect these rights, and when rulers threaten them, people have reason to resist or change the government. Civil rights, by contrast, come from laws and protect people from discrimination within a society, but they can be created or removed through policy. Human rights are a broader, global set of rights believed to belong to all people everywhere, typically protected by international agreements. Political rights focus on participating in government—such as voting or holding office—rather than the fundamental protections referenced here.