Question

Use the following excerpt to answer the question.

“The continuation of authority in one individual has frequently been the undoing of democratic governments. Repeated elections are essential in popular systems, because nothing is so dangerous as to permit a citizen to remain long in power. The people get used to obeying him and he gets used to commanding it, from which springs . . . tyranny.”

— Simón Bolívar, Address to the Congress of Angostura, 1819

What point is Simón Bolívar making about democratic governments?

(1 point)
Responses

Democratic governments should train citizens to obey leaders and not question them.
Democratic governments should train citizens to obey leaders and not question them.

Democratic governments must choose new leaders frequently to keep power in the hands of the people.
Democratic governments must choose new leaders frequently to keep power in the hands of the people.

Democratic governments should not let the citizens have power over the government for very long.
Democratic governments should not let the citizens have power over the government for very long.
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Answer 1

Democratic governments must choose new leaders frequently to keep power in the hands of the people.

Bolívar argues that allowing one person to remain in power too long leads to habit of obedience and command, which can produce tyranny.