Bill of Rights & Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen

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The Bill of Rights and Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen are based on the same principles of natural rights; therefore each document is similar in protecting the people's natural rights. However, despite their similarities, their differences are apparent due to the social situations in which they were adopted. The Bill of Rights stood to protect the freedoms of each individual by establishing a democratic government. The French Revolution eliminated the hierarchy of class and established equality among men with the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen. Several influences from past philosophers and documents assisted the frame work of the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Rights and Citizen. Declarations of the Rights of Man and Citizen had many similar ideas and influences from the Bill of Rights and enlightenment philosophers. They both provided similar principles about taxation, protection against ex post facto, application of criminal law and each puts forward principles of innocent until proven guilty, freedom of speech, press and religion. The French Enlightenment, also English and American influences appear in the articles. Rousseau's idea on Social Contract addressing declaration one, three and six which deals with the principles of equality, nation and general will. Volitre's "Treaty of Toleration" is an aspect to the document as it affects declaration ten. Declaration ten establishes that, "No one should be disturbed for his opinions, even in religion, provided that their manifestation does not trouble public order as established by law." Montesquieu's "Spirit of Laws" context of separation of powers is taken into account as declaration sixteen affirms that if society doesn't contain a separation o... ... middle of paper ... ...ights.com/ Lynn Hunt, the French Revolution and Human Rights a Brief Documentary History, 78 Liberty Equality, Fraternity Exploring the French Revolution, Enlightenment and Human Rights, http://chnm.gmu.edu/revolution/chap3a.html Lynn Hunt, The French Revolution and Human Rights A Brief Documentary History, 71-73 Lynn Hunt, The French Revolution and Human Rights A Brief Documentary History, -74 Lynn Hunt, The French Revolution and Human Rights A Brief Documentary History, 75-76 U.S Constitution, Bill of Rights, http://billofrights.com/ U.S Constitution, Bill of Rights, http://billofrights.com/

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