Definition

• The type of inheritance that is promised either before or soon following a child's birth, and most often includes money, property or political power, is called a birthright.
  
  

Recipients

• The offspring of the inheritance owner receives a birthright---typically the only child or eldest child if siblings exist. However, in the case of monetary sums, each child might receive a portion of the total birthright. A recipient of a birthright is called an "heir."
  
  

Royalty

• Royalty is the most famous birthright. Monarchs give royal authority to their eldest son or daughter, upon the monarch's death. According to a July 29, 2001, "New York Times" article, few countries still use this practice today. These countries include the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Cambodia, Bhutan and Thailand.
  
  

Power

• Countries historically used birthrights to efficiently transfer political power through generations. This practice prevented political unrest and provided clear leadership. After receiving his birthright, the heir had authority over his country's politics, economics, religion, development and foreign relations.
  
  

Biblical Examples

• According the "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia," birthrights were the right of the firstborn son and came with both responsibilities and power. However, the Bible is replete with stories of nonstandard birthrights. Ishmael, Isaac, Esau, Reuben, Shimri and Jacob are some examples of biblical birthrights.