Political rights
Topic: Political Theory: Freedom and Rights · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 3 "Equality"; Class 11, Ch 4 "Social Justice"; Class 11, Ch 5 "Rights"; Class 11, Ch 6 "Citizenship"
Meaning
Political rights are the rights that let citizens take part in running their country. They include equality before law, the right to vote and choose representatives, the right to contest elections and the right to form or join political parties. Together with civil liberties (freedoms that protect a person's life and choices from the state), they form the base of democratic government. NCERT's Class 11 chapter on Rights says that without them, people cannot control or change those who rule them.
Example
In India, an adult citizen can vote in a Lok Sabha election, stand as a candidate or start a new party. NCERT also warns that political rights alone are not enough. The vote means little to a pavement dweller who has no wage, housing or health care, so economic rights must support political rights.
Don't confuse with
- Civil liberties: these protect the person, through a fair trial, free expression, protest and dissent. Political rights are about taking part in government.
- Economic rights: these are claims to adequate wages, decent work, housing and health care, not to a share in political power.