Question

What theme can be seen in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence below?

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 and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

(1 point)
Responses

War is the only way to form a new government.
War is the only way to form a new government.

Only certain people have the right to equality.
Only certain people have the right to equality.

Governments should serve the needs of their citizens.
Governments should serve the needs of their citizens.

All governments eventually become destructive.
All governments eventually become destructive.

Answer 1

The theme that can be seen in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence is:

**Governments should serve the needs of their citizens.**

This is reflected in the idea that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed and that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to their rights.