Part A:
Whensoever therefore the legislative shall transgress this fundamental rule of society; and either by ambition, fear, folly or corruption, endeavour to grasp themselves, or put into the hands of any other, an absolute power over the lives, liberties, and estates of the people; by this breach of trust they forfeit the power the people had put into their hands for quite contrary ends, and it devolves to the people, who have a right to resume their original liberty[.]
— John Locke, Second Treatise of Government
Which influential idea does Locke describe in this excerpt?
A
.
Revolutions are betrayals of the majority of the people by a smaller segment of the population.
B
.
The government has the power to use any means necessary to enforce the rule of law on citizens.
C.
It is the obligation of the people to revolt against governments that act against the people's interests.
D.
The government has absolute power and will retain control even after protest or revolt by citizens.
Multiple Choice Question
Part B:
Which US founding document MOST embodies the idea expressed in Part A?
A
.
the Bill of Rights
B
.
the United States Constitution
C
.
the Articles of Confederation
D
.
the Declaration of Independence
1 answer
Part A: The influential idea that Locke describes in the excerpt is:
C. It is the obligation of the people to revolt against governments that act against the people's interests.
Part B: The US founding document that MOST embodies the idea expressed in Part A is:
D. the Declaration of Independence.
