Source: Thomas Jefferson, the United States Declaration of Independence, 1776
'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles...'
The ideas expressed in the passage most directly support which of the following political arguments?
- Governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the people they rule.Answer
- BA stable society requires the radical elimination of all traditional social classes and feudal privileges.
- CEmpires must establish strict mercantilist regulations to protect their domestic markets.
- DIndustrial growth is best achieved through state-sponsored development of steam power.
Answer
Governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the people they rule.
The correct option is correct because the passage explicitly states that governments derive their 'just powers from the consent of the governed' and that citizens have the right to 'alter or to abolish' a government that becomes destructive of these ends.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Enlightenment influence on the Atlantic Revolutions
Estimated Time:45s