Foundations of Human Rights and Political Systems

Item 4: Human Rights Foundations

1. Declaration of Virginia and the French Declaration in 1789

The Virginia Declaration was not a declaration of rights for all men, but for the citizen. This meant only citizens enjoyed certain rights (voting, freedom, etc.), while others were deprived of them. In contrast, the French Declaration acknowledged equal rights for all human beings.

2. Development of Human Rights

The constitution of human rights was an important first step toward their practical application.

3. Internationalization of Human Rights

International human rights treaties contained within are enforceable under public international law, allowing mechanisms to compel a state to respect the human rights recognized in a treaty.

4. Main Types of Natural Law

• Theocentric Iusnaturalism: Teaches that natural law cannot be justified without the existence of God, creator and ruler of the universe.
• Rationalist Iusnaturalism: Affirms the existence of a natural law founded on reason.

5. Human Rights Recognition

Human rights are universally acknowledged by the United Nations in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

6. Characteristics of Human Rights

They are: universal, inalienable, inalienable (repeated), and historic.

7. Functions of Human Rights

To protect all Spanish citizens and the peoples of Spain in the exercise of their human rights.

Item 5: Political System Concepts

1. Electoral Census List

Defines which citizens are eligible to vote.

2. Bipartisanship

Occurs when two political parties govern.

3. Head of State Role in Legislation

In principle, the function of the Head of State is to represent the country; their other functions are defined by the Constitution.

4. Functions of the Senate

The Senate is responsible for confirming laws passed in Congress and introducing amendments to their articles, or they may veto them, although this prohibition can subsequently be neutralized by Congress.

5. Simple Majority vs. Absolute Majority

• Absolute Majority: Requires half plus one of the total possible votes.
• Simple Majority: Requires more votes for than against.

6. Tasks of the Legislature

To enact and repeal laws.