Evolution of Civil, Political, and Socioeconomic Rights
Citizenship, Civil, and Human Rights
Humans are inherently communicative and open to discussion, capable of forming bonds of solidarity and citizenship through democratic processes. Citizenship entails duties that prevent abuse of power and maintain individual freedoms.
Historical Development of Rights
During the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, several key advancements in civil rights emerged, including the right to due process and freedom of conscience (religion, expression, etc.).
Key developments during this period include:
- Recognition of Native Americans as free beings, prohibiting enslavement and property seizure.
- The Edict of Nantes (France, 1598), promoting religious tolerance between Catholics and Protestants.
- The Body of Liberties of Massachusetts Bay (1641), an early American catalog of human rights.
- The Habeas Corpus Act (Great Britain, 1679), establishing the right of detainees to appear before a judge within 24 hours.
- The Bill of Rights (Britain, 1689), implementing measures to prevent ruler abuses and ensure freedom of worship.
- Declarations of Rights in British North America during independence, influencing the United States Declaration of Independence (1776).
- The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen (France, 1789), impacting constitutions worldwide.
Political Rights
Political rights, including political association, universal suffrage, and the right to hold public office, emerged during the 19th and 20th centuries.
- The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution (1865-1870) abolished slavery.
- Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, most countries recognized women’s political rights.
Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights
Rights to education, unionization, striking, and workplace safety were among the first social, economic, and cultural rights recognized. Important documents of this era include those related to these rights.