Question

5. Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was
beset with contradictions? Explain.​

Answer 1

Answer:

The message of universal rights was beset with contradictions. Many ideals in the "Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen" were not clear In their meanings, e.g.,

(i) "The law has the right to forbid only actions injurious to society" did not mention about criminal offences against other individuals.

(ii) The declaration stated that "law is the expression of the general will. All citizens have the right to participate in its formation...All citizens are equal before it".

However, France became a Constitutional Monarchy, but still millions of citizens (men under the age of 25 and women) were not allowed to vote at all. This was in striking contrast to the ideals that the revolution espoused. When the Jacobins assumed power, they had very harsh policies and so the wealthier middle classes became powerful. The political instability of such regimes ultimately made Napoleon the Monarch of France.    

Explanation:

Answer 2

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Yes, the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions:

Many ideas in the "Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen" were replete with dubious meanings. For example, "the law has the right to forbid only actions injurious to society" had nothing to say about criminal offences against other individuals.

The declaration stated that "law is the expression of the general will. All citizens have the right to participate in its formation…All citizens are equal before it", but when France became a constitutional monarchy, almost 3 million citizens including men who did not pay sufficient taxes, women and men under the age of 25 were not allowed to vote at all.

Hence, by these universal rights poor were suppressed. Constitution was only available for the rich. Women were totally neglected in decision making.