Question

Which of the following statements best describes the ideas of government found in the Declaration of Independence?

A. Governments derive their power from God, and monarchs should follow religious teachings when creating laws.
B. If the whole nation is to prosper, governments must pass legislation that benefits the wealthy.
C. Governments have the duty to address the concerns of the downtrodden to ensure a vital workforce.
D. Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Answer 1

D. Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Answer 2

D. Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Declaration of Independence is a product of its time, which is the Enlightenment. Therefore, it expresses many ideas that were common during this time period. One of the ideas that dominated political philosophy during these years is the idea of the government deriving its power from the people. From this point of view, sovereignty lies with the governed, and the government obtains power only through the approval of the citizens. This view established the foundation of American democracy.