Which concept asserts that individuals possess inherent rights that limit government power?

Which concept asserts that individuals possess inherent rights that limit government power?

• A. Social Contract
• B. Popular Sovereignty
• C. Individual Rights
• D. Natural Rights

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is that people have rights they inherently possess, which constrain what the government can do. This is best described by individual rights, since it emphasizes rights that belong to each person and limit governmental power. While natural rights is the classic philosophical term for these freedoms, the concept in this context is about the rights individuals hold and that governments must respect. The other ideas describe how government authority is established or justified—such as a social contract or popular sovereignty—rather than naming the rights themselves.

The main idea being tested is that people have rights they inherently possess, which constrain what the government can do. This is best described by individual rights, since it emphasizes rights that belong to each person and limit governmental power. While natural rights is the classic philosophical term for these freedoms, the concept in this context is about the rights individuals hold and that governments must respect. The other ideas describe how government authority is established or justified—such as a social contract or popular sovereignty—rather than naming the rights themselves.