Question

Correctly define the meaning of the following passage from the Declaration of Independence.

That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed

A. In order to secure human rights, a government must override the will of the people.
B. Governments are set up by those who are governed, to secure their human rights.
C. The power of the government is derived from those in power.
D. Once a government is instituted, only a revolution can truly overthrow it.

Answer 1

B. Governments are set up by those who are governed, to secure their human rights.

Answer 2

B. Governments are set up by those who are governed, to secure their human rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Declaration of Independence was inspired in the ideas of the Enlightenment philosopher John Locke who believed in a limited government elected by the people and whose duty was to protect people's natural rights of life, liberty, and property.

The passage provided conveys something very similar; it holds that it is the people, the governed, the one with the authority to establish and give power to a government and such government should secure their rights of "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" (as Jefferson stated in another part of the document). In other words, the meaning of the passage is that governments are set up by those who are governed, to secure their human rights.