Julia Berardo

Rights vs. Authority of Government

Mr. Jones

25 May, 2018

To What Extent Should the Rights of Man Give Way to the Authority of Government?

The rights of man give way to the authority of government through criminal prosecutions,

lack of religious freedom, and a state of liberty but not complete control. “...as far forth as for

peace and defense of himself he shall think it necessary, to lay down this right to all things;and

be contented with so much liberty against other men as he would allow other men against him,”

(Document 2). Man give way to the authority of government because man needs the

government's direction.

Man give up their rights to the authority of government through criminal prosecutions.

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial,”

(Document 5). An individual is forced to give up his rights to the authority of government

because he must have a public trial. They are unable to decline the right to do so because of

Freedom of speech. ALthough this takes away their rights, it is good for the people because the

people need direction from the government.

Another reason that men give up their rights to the authority of government is because of

the lack of religious freedom. “We enjoin all ministers of the said R.P.R., who do not choose to

become converts and to embrace the Catholic, apostolic, and Roman religion,” (Document 1).

Freedom of Religion allows people to practice whatever faith they desire. But when their is a

lack of freedom, the people need direction from the government.

 Lastly, man give up their rights to the authority of government because they realize that

they are in a state of liberty but do not have complete control. “But though this be a ​state of

liberty​, yet it is not a ​state of license​ though man in that state have an uncontrollable liberty to

dispose of his person or possessions,” (Document 3). Men give their rights to the authority of

government because they know that they live where liberty is guaranteed but they do not hold all

of the control which allows the government to give people direction.

People give their rights away to government through criminal prosecutions, lack of

religious freedom, and a state of liberty but not complete control. People are unable to decline a

trial by jury taking away the right to Freedom of Speech. People are frowned upon for practing

the faith of their choice taking away Freedom of Religion. People are in a state of liberty but will

never gain complete control. Man give way to the authority of government because man needs

the government's direction.