Explain six ways by which a citizen's right can be safeguarded.

Answer Details

Ways by which a citizen's rights can be safeguarded

1. Entrenchment in a written constitution. Listing fundamental rights in the constitution and protecting them with a rigid amendment procedure guarantees them against easy interference.
2. An independent judiciary. Impartial courts free from executive control interpret the law, hear complaints and enforce citizens' rights through remedies such as habeas corpus and injunctions.
3. The rule of law. Where everyone, including government, is subject to the same law and no one is punished except for a proven breach of law, rights are secure.
4. Separation of powers. Dividing power among the legislature, executive and judiciary prevents any one organ from concentrating power and abusing citizens.
5. A free press and mass media. A vigilant press exposes abuses of power and mobilises public opinion in defence of rights.
6. Existence of pressure groups and civil society. Trade unions, professional bodies and human-rights organisations campaign, litigate and protest to protect citizens.
7. Provision of an Ombudsman or Public Complaints Commission. A body to investigate complaints against maladministration gives an accessible avenue for redress.
8. Democratic elections and a multi-party system. Regular free elections allow citizens to remove governments that violate their rights.
9. An educated and enlightened citizenry. Citizens who know their rights are better able to demand and defend them.