Final answer:
The quotes suggest that when taking significant actions like declaring independence, there is a duty to publicly declare the causes for such decisions, respecting mankind's opinions and laying out justifications to uphold democratic principles and legitimacy. Option B is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main point that the authors are making in these quotes is an expression of the need for transparency and justification when a group decides to take significant action, such as declaring independence or demanding equal rights. This foundational idea is shared between the original Declaration of Independence and other documents inspired by its message, which stress the importance of showing a 'decent respect to the opinions of mankind' by explaining the reasons behind such a monumental decision.
Both quotes communicate that those who seek change feel compelled to explain their actions to the rest of the world to maintain legitimacy and uphold democratic principles. It acknowledges that not only should such actions be justified, but also that there is a responsibility to communicate these justifications publicly.
The Declaration of Independence firmly states that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and when those governments fail to protect the rights of the people, the people have the right to alter or abolish them. This concept lays the groundwork for the idea that people must thoughtfully and transparently declare their intentions when taking actions as significant as separating from another political body.