What do political rights signify regarding the relationship between government and citizens?

Political rights signify the empowerment of citizens within a political system, indicating that individuals have specific entitlements that allow them to participate actively in governance and influence decision-making processes. These rights include the right to vote, run for office, and engage in political discourse, which collectively enable citizens to hold their government accountable and ensure that their voices are heard.

This empowerment of citizens is fundamental to democratic societies, where the legitimacy of the government often hinges on the consent of the governed. By having political rights, citizens can shape policies and legislation, thereby creating a more responsive and representative government. These rights not only create avenues for individual expression and participation but also help to check and balance governmental power, ensuring that authority is derived from the will of the people.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of political rights. For instance, giving the government control over citizens contradicts the very nature of political rights, which focus on citizen empowerment, rather than subjugation. Similarly, while political rights can contribute to promoting social equality and guaranteeing freedom of speech, those concepts encompass broader aspects of individual rights and social justice, which are distinct from the narrower definition of political rights.