For this assignment, you will answer some questions about natural rights and how the interpretation of these rights has changed over time. To get the best grade possible, follow the instructions in the assignment closely and answer all questions completely. This assignment is worth 10 points. 1. The Declaration of Independence stated that all men were created equal and that they had natural rights that could not be taken away. How were these beliefs enforced in the early United States? (3 points) 2. Identify a group that was not considered equal when the Constitution was written. How did the new country fail to protect this group? (2 points) 3. Using your knowledge of the modern United States, write a paragraph explaining how society's interpretation of natural rights has changed over time. What differences do you notice between 1787 and today? What groups have different rights? What do these changes suggest about the Enlightenment concept of natural rights? Your response should be at least five sentences long. (5 points)

Respuesta :

1) The belief in natural rights resulted in the creation of the Bill of Rights. This Bill of Rights ensured early in America's history that certain rights would not be taken away by the US government. This includes freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to protest, right to petition, etc.

2) African Americans were not considered equal when writing the Constitution. This is evident from the passing of the 3/5ths Compromise. This law stated that every 5 African American people counted as 3 towards a states population. Along with this, hundreds of thousands of African American men were enslaved at this time and did not have the rights mentioned in question number 1.

3) The idea of natural rights has changed dramatically since 1787. In today's society men, women, and all races have the same legal and political rights. This means that all citizens can vote and are protected equally by the US Consitution.