As Americans, we take pride in the many rights that we have. Often it is not clear what happens when rights conflict with one another. What are rights? What are the two ways that rights conflict? Provide two examples of each of the ways that rights conflict, and explain them. Where do we turn for help when our rights have conflicted?

What will be an ideal response?

rights are freedoms or privileges to which one has claim. According to John Locke, rights are “natural,” and one of the primary purposes of government is to preserve the natural rights of citizens. The first way that rights conflict is between individuals. Examples include a free press versus a right to privacy and the conflict over a right to say a prayer at the beginning of school and a right not to be subjected to such prayer. The second way that rights conflict is when the rights of individuals are pitted against the needs of society. Seatbelt laws and laws making prostitution illegal are examples. Among the actors we turn to when our rights conflict are the courts, Congress, the president, and interest groups.