Equal Rights by Marshall ( Week 11)

“The civil element is composed of the rights necessary for individual freedom. By the political element I mean the right to participate in the exercise of political power, as a member of a body invested with political authority or as an elector of the members of such a body. The corresponding institutions are parliament and councils of local government. By the social element I mean the whole range from the right to a modicum of economic welfare and security to the right to share to the full in the social heritage and live the life of a civilized being according to the standard prevailing in the society. The institutions most closely connected with it are the educational system and the social services” By Marshall

 Marshall describes that citizenship is divided in three elements which are civil rights, political rights and social rights. In this quote he explains the meanings of each right. The civil rights which means citizen’s freedom of speech, religion, justice, liberty, right to own property and equality. Political rights which means the right to become president, the right to run as an elector member and the right of political power.  Social rights which means right of education, welfare, social services, security and the right to enjoy ourselves. Marshall fought for citizen’s rights and their liberty. He believed in justice and equality.

I like this quote because Marshall proclaims citizens’ rights. We have the right to speak, the right to follow any religion, the right of owning houses and businesses, the right to vote. This quote called my attention because it reflects freedom and liberty. We humans have rights that we should be aware of. It called my attention because there are rights that the government can’t not interfere such as citizens’ freedom of speech and liberty.  However, social rights like education and social services, insurance is in danger since the government can do what he wants. I think that social rights are not rights at all because not all citizens can have access to them for economic reasons or rules. Marshall is defining that we should have access to all these rights without prevention from  the government.