political rights

American  

[puh-lit-ik-uhl rahyts] / pəˈlɪt ɪk əl ˈraɪts /

plural noun

singular

political right

1. rights that relate to participation in the political process, such as the right to vote, hold office, engage in public protest against the government, etc.

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Example Sentences

Against the conventional wisdom that civil rights were fundamentally different from political rights, Black Americans insisted that both were vital to make real America’s most cherished constitutional ideals.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

If the court takes up the case, the nine face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and the loss of their political rights for a decade.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Few of King’s staff supported the effort, worrying that the strike — and the planned Poor People’s Campaign in Washington — distracted from the main goal of attaining voting and political rights for Black Americans.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

But Iranians have never remained satisfied with national bargains in which they forfeit political rights for economic dividends or social emancipation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

The Program of Action approved at the annual conference called for the pursuit of political rights through the use of boycotts, strikes, civil disobedience, and noncooperation.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela