Explain five means of safeguarding rights of citizens?

Answer Details

Means of safeguarding the rights of citizens

1. Entrenchment in a written constitution: Fundamental human rights are written into the constitution as justiciable provisions, making them difficult to tamper with.
2. An independent judiciary: Impartial courts interpret the law, hear cases of rights violations and provide remedies to citizens whose rights are breached.
3. Rule of law and due process: Where everybody, including the government, is subject to the law and no one is punished except for a breach of law duly proved, citizens' rights are protected.
4. Separation of powers: Dividing governmental powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary, with checks and balances, prevents any organ from becoming tyrannical and abusing rights.
5. A free press and active civil society: The mass media, human rights organisations and pressure groups expose violations and mobilise opinion against abuse of rights.
6. Free and fair periodic elections: The ability to vote out oppressive governments compels rulers to respect the rights of citizens.