Question

Which of the following quotations–from documents associated with the American, French and Haitian revolutions–most clearly exemplifies social contract theory?

1) "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
2) "That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
3) "All citizens being equal in its eyes are equally admissible to all public dignities, offices, and employments, according to their ability, and with no other distinction than that of their virtues and talents."
4) "Liberty consists in the ability to do whatever does not harm another; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no other limits than those which assure to other members of society the enjoyment of the same rights."

Answer 1

The quotation that best exemplifies social contract theory is the one that states governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, which aligns with the principles articulated by philosophers like Locke and Rousseau.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quotation that most clearly exemplifies social contract theory is option 2, "That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

This statement reflects the key principles of social contract theory, as articulated by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, wherein a government's legitimacy comes from its people's consent and its principal function is to protect the inalienable rights of its citizens. If a government fails to protect these rights, the people have the authority to alter or abolish it and establish a new government that will ensure their security and well-being.