"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."
According to the passage from The Declaration of Independence, what is the primary justification for the people’s right to alter or abolish their government?
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A government should never be changed, regardless of its actions.
The government must follow the religious beliefs of its citizens.
The pursuit of happiness is more important than government stability.
Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.
1 answer
The primary justification for the people’s right to alter or abolish their government, according to the passage from The Declaration of Independence, is that "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed." Therefore, the correct answer is:
Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.
