Question

In the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, an appeal to _____ is particularly being made.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America in general congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do in the name and by authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states. . . .
authority
emotion
logic
ethics

Answer 1

The correct answer is authority, not ethics.

Answer 2

I believe the answer is ethics.

Authority & logic don't make sense in this case. The only aspect I see that appeals to the readers' emotions would be the use of the word solemnly, but this text was concise and solid.

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. The text shows that the writers intend to advocate their independence as being only morally acceptable.