Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson's concept of "certain unalienable rights" pertains to fundamental human rights that are inherent and cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and belong to everyone regardless of status or nationality. The options (A) and (C) are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Thomas Jefferson referred to "certain unalienable rights" in the Declaration of Independence, he was expressing the idea that there are fundamental rights inherent to all human beings. Specifically:
- A) Rights that cannot be taken away under any circumstances: These are basic human rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that every individual is inherently entitled to, and which cannot be rightfully taken away or abridged by governments.
- C) Rights that belong to everyone: These unalienable rights are universal and are not dependent on nationality, status, or any other classification; they are equal and guaranteed to all people by virtue of their humanity.
These rights are a testament to the philosophy of natural rights, which posits that certain rights are inherent to human beings and should be protected by the social contract between the governed and the government. Therefore, options (A) and (C) are correct.