What defines a right in the context of citizenship?

In the context of citizenship, a right is defined as something entitled to individuals by law. This encompasses legal protections and freedoms that citizens can claim, which are often established by constitutions, statutes, and international agreements. Rights are fundamental to ensuring individuals can participate fully in society, and they provide the framework for personal and collective liberties.

Therefore, being entitled to rights by law signifies that these entitlements are not arbitrary or optional; rather, they are legally enforceable and recognized by governing bodies. This fundamentally distinguishes them from privileges, which may be granted or revoked at the discretion of the government, and from moral obligations or societal suggestions, which do not carry the same legal weight or enforceability. Thus, rights serve as essential elements that define citizenship, ensuring individuals have access to certain standards of treatment and protection under the law.