Problem: Fully explain the difference between positive and negative rights, giving three examples other than those found in the text for each (the examples given in the book are: privacy, the rights to food, life, and health care).
Also, explain, using an example of positive rights why a liberal policy maker would tend to favor such a right and why a conservative policymaker would tend to oppose it.
Positive rights permit or oblige action on the part of government in favor of the individual. These can be seen as responsibilities that the government has on behalf of its citizens. Negative rights permit or oblige inaction of the part of government in favor of the individual. These can be seen as areas in which the government does not have the power to attempt to influence or mold society. Examples of positive rights include police protection of private property and my person, public education, social security and a minimum wage. Examples of negative rights include freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from slavery and the right to bear arms.