The Declaration of Independence states that when a government becomes destructive, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This expresses which idea?

The Declaration of Independence states that when a government becomes destructive, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This expresses which idea?

• A. Divine right
• B. Absolute monarchy
• C. Social contract between government and the people
• D. State religion

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is social contract theory: governments exist with the consent of the governed to protect people’s rights, and when a government becomes destructive, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new one. This idea, echoed in the Declaration, says political legitimacy comes from the people and that a regime failing to safeguard rights can be replaced. It reflects John Locke’s influence that individuals consent to political authority to preserve life, liberty, and property (broader natural rights). The other options don’t fit because divine right asserts authority from God, not consent; absolute monarchy is a form of government, not the justification for revolting; and state religion concerns religious establishment rather than political legitimacy.

The main concept here is social contract theory: governments exist with the consent of the governed to protect people’s rights, and when a government becomes destructive, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new one. This idea, echoed in the Declaration, says political legitimacy comes from the people and that a regime failing to safeguard rights can be replaced. It reflects John Locke’s influence that individuals consent to political authority to preserve life, liberty, and property (broader natural rights). The other options don’t fit because divine right asserts authority from God, not consent; absolute monarchy is a form of government, not the justification for revolting; and state religion concerns religious establishment rather than political legitimacy.