The right to opinion was considered a basic right of every man (Anderson, 1908, p.61).

The declaration granted man the right to express opinion on condition that the opinion did not contravene law and order. Under the law, every man was held as innocent unless guilt was proven in a court of law. This was to be carried out in accordance to established legal guidelines.

The law allowed punishment for wrongdoing. Man could only be arrested or held in isolation after the law granted such provision (Anderson, 1908, p.60). All had a right to participate in making laws. The law was granted the ability to stop any actions that posed danger to the rights of men (Anderson, 1908, p.60). Liberty was defined as the ability to do anything that does not contravene the rights of man. The nation was declared to be the sole owner of all sovereign powers and all individual power was to be derived from the sovereign entity (Anderson, 1908, p.60). Those rights include: freedom, riches, and agitation for rights. According to the declaration, any political undertaking should be geared towards preservation of rights of man. All men were born in equality and freedom. The declaration had provisions regarding the rights of man and the citizen. The declaration ensured that all citizens lived in harmony and in absolute respect for constitutional provisions regarding natural rights. This declaration ensured that the actions of the executive and legislative arm of government upheld the rights and dignity of man (Anderson, 1908, p.59). However, the declaration was categorical that all rights and privileges demanded a sense of duty and responsibility. The declaration contained a list of natural and inalienable rights and privileges of man (Anderson, 1908, p.59). Members of the French National Assembly appreciated the need to uphold and safeguard rights of man (Anderson, 1908, p.59).

The declaration stated that any form of political mandate was derived from the masses. The document maintained that the rulers of government had a duty to protect and safeguard these natural rights. The document was categorical that men were born in freedom and deserved equal treatment. This document was conceptualized by parliament of France during the French Revolution (Anderson, 1908, p.59). Learn More Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen

1791 declaration of the rights of woman