What core principle does the Constitution establish about citizens' rights?

The Constitution establishes that rights are inherent and protected from government interference, reflecting the fundamental belief that individuals possess certain inalienable rights that cannot be taken away by the government. This principle is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which highlights life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as fundamental rights that everyone is entitled to, simply by being human.

This perspective affirms that citizens have specific rights granted through the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, which the government is obligated to uphold and protect rather than grant arbitrarily. This means that these rights exist regardless of government acknowledgment or legislation, placing limits on governmental power and insisting that it must respect the rights of individuals.

In contrast, the other options imply a more conditional or limited view of rights. Claiming that rights are granted by the government undermines the concept of inherent rights; if rights come solely from government authority, they can be rescinded. Suggesting that rights can be suspended during emergencies raises concerns about the potential for abuse and infringement upon basic freedoms. Lastly, asserting that rights are only applicable to certain citizens contradicts the universal nature of rights as outlined in the Constitution, which is intended to protect all individuals equally.