answersLogoWhite

0

The manner in which the question is phrased suggests that there was a single document, or a group of documents, that established the ideas of individual liberty and limited government. That interpretation would make one wrongly believe that individual rights were a social invention of some sort: something nice to have, but which are only conceptual.

Important to understand is that individual rights, broadly, liberty, is a "natural right". Stated otherwise, it results from and is conferred upon man by virtue of him/her being a human being; it is a necessary and natural characteristic of being human. It does not require a document to make it exist.

All of that said, The Bible, especially the Old Testament, to some degree recognized the existence of liberty as defined here. Perhaps what was recognized was somewhat more limited, such as the ability to make choices. With those choices came good and bad consequences, witness: Adam and Eve. That remains so to this day.

The Founders, we are told, studied the Bible. In part from what they may have learned from it, but more, from a keen understanding that individual rights are a part of the human condition and not dependent upon a grant from government, they conceived and wrote the founding documents of this country. Those documents memorialized natural rights, they did not create or invent them.

Furthermore, the rights and liberties do not exist because there has been a grant of them from government. Quite the contrary. Government by its nature restricts rights. The willingness of a people to give up their rights to government defines the extent of the liberties that they will retain.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is make the us government a limited government?

The Constitution limits the power of government and protects the rights of the people.


Rights that cannot be taken away are known as?

The idea that the government does not have complete power; there are certain rights the government cannot take away from the people is called LIMITED GOVERNMNET.Tcarver6 Answered!!!


Is Ireland limited or unlimited?

The answer is a limited government, the citivens have rights.


Is the United Kingdom a limited or unlimited country?

The answer is a limited government, the citivens have rights.


How can you use limited government in a sentence?

The concept of limited government means less infringement on individual rights and the economy.


Describe the concept of limited government?

The best description of the concept of limited government is the fact that the government is bound to do various things as set out by people. This is usually done in reference to the constitution.Government must operate within certain bounds set by the people.


The constitution protects your civil rights by controlling the power of government?

limited government


How are limited and unlimited governments different?

Limited GovernmentIn the United States, the powers of government are limited. A limited government is a constitutional government. A limited government makes sure that leaders of government do not misuse the powers they have been given. It insists that all people, including people in authority such as the president and members of the congress, obey the laws. A limited government has effective controls over the power of people in authority and protects the rights of individuals.Unlimited GovernmentAn unlimited government includes authoritarian and totalitarian governments. Under authoritarian systems, all power is concentrated in one person or a small group. People who live under an authoritarian system do not have an effective way to restrain the power of the rulers. Totalitarian governments regulate every part of the lives of individuals.An unlimited government is a non-constitutional government. An unlimited government does not have effective controls over the power of its rulers. The people in authority cannot be easily removed from office by peaceful and legal means.


Is the Bill of Rights limited?

The Bill of Rights sets limits- it tells what the government is NOT allowed to do.


Idea that government is not all powerful?

Limited Government is the idea that the government does not have complete power. Citizens have certain rights that the government cannot take away.


What important ideas has the U.S constitution contributed to government?

The constitution has contributed in many ways to the government, including giving the citizens rights, making the government powerful enough to protect the rights of citizens and defend the country against its enemies, and by setting up a federal system.


How is limited government reflected in the constitution and bill of rights?

bla6ysw