What is the key distinction between positive and negative rights?

• A. Positive rights impose a duty to help someone obtain something; Negative rights impose a duty not to interfere with obtaining something.
• B. Positive rights impose a duty not to interfere; Negative rights impose a duty to help.
• C. Positive rights are about property; Negative rights are about contracts.
• D. Positive rights are always legal rights; Negative rights are always natural rights.

Answer: (A)

The distinction hinges on the duties attached to the right: a positive right creates an obligation for others to help obtain or secure a benefit for the right-holder, while a negative right creates an obligation for others not to interfere with the right-holder’s ability to obtain or exercise that benefit. So a positive right to education would mean society or the state must provide or enable access to education. A negative right to free speech means others, including the government, should refrain from censoring or blocking that speech. The best choice captures this difference directly: positive rights entail a duty to help, negative rights entail a duty not to interfere.