What is the difference between a right and a privelege?

Question

I recently read an answer on here to a question. They stated that issue X was a privelege and not a right.

Answer 1

A right is something that you have inherently, or, as the Founders would say, something you were 'endowed' with by your 'Creator.' A government may prevent you from exercising it on threat of punishment, a criminal may abuse it and abuse your ability to enjoy it, but that doesn't stop that right from existing.
A priviledge is something which is given to you, or that you earn, or that you pay for, something that you did not always have.

Answer 2

A "right" has a genesis in either a state of the federal constitution or through a statutory enactment (federal, state or local level). From example the famous "You have the right to remain silent..." comes from a Supreme Court decision Miranda v AZ. However, Even rights have limitations. The First Amendment in the federal constitution provides a right to free speech but you can not yell fire in a crowded movie theater. On the other hand, a privilege is something you can take advantage of should you choose. For example, a privilege would be driving a car (again, with limitations such as age, etc.) or obtaining a loan (if you qualify).

Answer 3

You are probably referring to something like a driving license.


The government can't discriminate, and must allow every physically fit individual the right to drive. That right, however, is only the ability to get the license. The license itself, is the privilege.

Everyone has to go through the same test and requirements to get a license. That's another part of the right, which protects from discrimination. Bad behavior, breaking the law, or moving violations can result in losing this license. You have to do something to cause yourself to lose it. That's the way it's defined as a privilege.

Pretty obvious, huh?

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cantcu is missing an important point in his argument (or collection of other people's thoughts). Roads, highways, and other methods of public transportation are used to provide goods and services to all aspects of the community. It does not matter if you have a driver's license. Every person, taxpaying or not, benefits from roads. You are "using" roads whether you drive on them or not. Taxing you for that use makes sense. That doesn't mean a driving license is a right.

Answer 4

A right is mandatory and enforceable under the law while a privilege is only discretionary. For example, you have the right to vote and nobody can stop you from exercising it. On the other hand, you have a privilige to practice a profession but it cannot be granted if you cannot pass the examinations given by government agencies.

Answer 5

Example.
When a man has worked hard and paid his taxes over the years in retirment it is his right to receive a pension from the government.
When a person collects welfare it is a privledge not a right.
Welfare was set up to help people who are going through a rough patch until they get on their feet there are those who see it as a right and take it for granted .

Answer 6

The arguement stems from the idea (not universal) that all people have rights just because they are people. Following this, it is the society (in the form of the government) to recognise these rights and to protect them. All other actions individuals take are privledges, not inherent rights.
The problem comes from what does the society recognise as a right?

Answer 7

A right is something that is unquestionably yours, simply by the fact that you are human, no matter what you do or don't. It can't be taken away from you. A privilege is something that you earn or lose based on your actions and behaviour.

Answer 8

A right is creator indowed.A priviliage is liscense ,a liberty meaning,you must ask permission to do something that would normaly be illegal. No one can grant you your rights.Thats a contradiction of terms.Constitution of the Republic Protects rights.It does not grant them!!

Answer 9

It is your right to buy a car but it is a privilege to drive it. At any time the state can revoke that privilege.

Answer 10

"Rights" are those liberties set forth in our Constitution and as interpreted in modern day society by the US Supreme Court and Legislative branches of our government. "Privileges" are state and local interpretations and implementations of our constitutional "rights". "Driving and licenses" did not exist when our "rights" were outlined in the Constitution by our founding fathers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!