Oh, they still had individual rights. The difference lay in the right to hold public office and to vote. I am exaggerating for effect, but allowing a 19 year old dopehead the same voice in how our society governs itself as a responsible father or mother who actually cares what kind of nation their children and grandchildren will grow up in is suboptimal.
It leads to- well look at what we are becoming, it leads to this.
but only those who submit to master government and love big brother get to vote