Question

Read the passage.

. . . 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.
What is the main idea of this passage from the Declaration of Independence?


The colonists would prefer an altered government to a new nation.

Governments must sometimes be reorganized in order to avoid revolt.

People have the right to determine the best form of government for them.

Government is formed naturally and it evolves with time.

Answer 1

"People have the right to determine the best form of government for them." This option describes the main idea of the Declaration of Independence.

"..that whenever any government becomes destructive..." these words refer to the cause that may make people ask for a change of government. This last idea is expressed in: "..it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it". This new way of government will guarantee the best , "..safety and happiness..", for the people.

These other options are wrong:

-The colonists would prefer an altered government to a new nation. The Declaration of Independence does not address the colonists.

-Governments must sometimes be reorganized in order to avoid revolt. This is not expressed in the excerpt. The excerpt puts the focus on people's rights.

-Government is formed naturally and it evolves with time. Government is formed culturally; people build it.

Answer 2

The correct answer would be:

People have the right to determine the best form of government for them.

This passage from the Declaration of Independence, explains the right of people to choose and decide when the government is being unfair or destructive, and have the right of abolishing it and instituting a new one, always looking for their wealthness, safety, and happiness.