Final answer:
Equal opportunity, rights, and responsibilities are foundational to democratic societies and are central to human rights as outlined by both national constitutions, like that of the United States, and international covenants such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ensuring these principles in practice involves providing equal opportunities and addressing the needs of the least advantaged to create a more equitable society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Equal opportunity, rights, and responsibilities for all members of society are inherent in concepts that touch on fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, and social justice. A poignant example in the United States is the guarantee that 'Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every place subject to its jurisdiction.' This principle is not only a national value but also a global ideal, as outlined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations (UN), which describes human rights as inherent to all human beings, irrespective of any status.
The drive to support everyone's rights to be equal and empowered members of society is reflected in the belief that all people are born with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Enforcement of these rights is entrusted to governments, which derive their powers from the consent of the governed. Despite these principles being enshrined in foundational texts such as the U.S. Constitution, the reality has often fallen short, necessitating continual progress towards truly achieving equality.
To embody these ideals, institutions aim for policies where:
- Positions and offices are open to all under conditions of fair equality of opportunity;
- The greatest benefit is extended to the least advantaged members of society;
- The most extensive system of equal basic liberties is compatible with a similar system of liberty for all;
- Social and economic inequalities are arranged to be of the most benefit and to ensure equal opportunity.