Which of the following correctly explains how the Declaration of Independence argued that the British government had violated the concept of the social contract?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The Declaration of Independence demonstrated how the British government did not live up to its obligation to protect natural rights.
The Declaration of Independence demonstrated how the British government did not live up to its obligation to protect natural rights.

The Declaration of Independence demonstrated how the British government upheld the rule of God.
The Declaration of Independence demonstrated how the British government upheld the rule of God.

The Declaration of Independence demonstrated its opposition to the concept of divine right of kings.
The Declaration of Independence demonstrated its opposition to the concept of divine right of kings.

The Declaration of Independence demonstrated how the source of government power is the people.
The Declaration of Independence demonstrated how the source of government power is the people.

Answer 1

The correct explanation for how the Declaration of Independence argued that the British government had violated the concept of the social contract is:

The Declaration of Independence demonstrated how the British government did not live up to its obligation to protect natural rights.

This response reflects the fundamental premise of the social contract theory, particularly as articulated by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued that governments are established to protect the natural rights of life, liberty, and property, and that failure to do so justifies the people's right to alter or abolish that government.