Question

Rights place some limits on the authority of the state. Explain with examples.

Answer 1

• Rights place some limits on the authority of the state as they make the state responsible for its actions.

• Rights place an obligation upon the state to act in a certain way.

• For example, the state must ensure that its policies should provide basic needs to all its individuals.

• Rights suggest what the state must refrain from doing.

• The state cannot make laws that violate the fundamental rights of the citizens and go against the constitution.

• Freedom of expression is a basic right of individuals therefore the state cannot stop anyone from expressing himself/herself.

• The state cannot arrest any individual unnecessarily as that would mean violating her/his right of liberty.