THE BASIC PRINCIPLES
A constitution should clearly state that individuals can only be restricted or forced to act in certain ways according to established rules intended to protect everyone's rights, except during specific emergency situations. These rules, defined as just conduct, should be changed only by a group called the Legislative Assembly. This assembly can create laws that must apply universally and cannot focus on individual cases. The constitution must also define what qualifies as law, ensuring it applies to future situations rather than just specific goals or people.
The purpose of this clause is to limit government power regarding coercion, not to define what the government can do. This framework can protect individual rights such as freedom of speech or religion without needing a separate list of rights, as these rights should be limited by general laws rather than being absolute. Protecting individual liberties is essential, and while some rights are often highlighted, many other freedoms deserve protection too. This idea aligns with the original framers of the U.S. Constitution, who were cautious about including specific rights, fearing it may suggest the government can act freely outside those listed. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure individuals are free from arbitrary government coercion while still allowing for restrictions necessary to protect everyone's rights and maintain order in society.
A constitution should clearly state that individuals can only be restricted or forced to act in certain ways according to established rules intended to protect everyone's rights, except during specific emergency situations. These rules, defined as just conduct, should be changed only by a group called the Legislative Assembly. This assembly can create laws that must apply universally and cannot focus on individual cases. The constitution must also define what qualifies as law, ensuring it applies to future situations rather than just specific goals or people.
The purpose of this clause is to limit government power regarding coercion, not to define what the government can do. This framework can protect individual rights such as freedom of speech or religion without needing a separate list of rights, as these rights should be limited by general laws rather than being absolute. Protecting individual liberties is essential, and while some rights are often highlighted, many other freedoms deserve protection too. This idea aligns with the original framers of the U.S. Constitution, who were cautious about including specific rights, fearing it may suggest the government can act freely outside those listed. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure individuals are free from arbitrary government coercion while still allowing for restrictions necessary to protect everyone's rights and maintain order in society.