Question

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. —The Declaration of Independence. Which statement best summarizes the passage?

a) Governments create people’s rights.
b) Rights existed before governments were created.
c) People must give up rights under certain circumstances.
d) Rights are limited to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Answer 1

The best statement summarizing the passage from the Declaration of Independence is that rights existed before governments were created, and governments are formed to secure these rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from the Declaration of Independence asserts the principle that rights exist independently of governments, and that governments are formed to protect these intrinsic unalienable rights, which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. According to this philosophy, which was heavily influenced by John Locke and the Enlightenment thinkers, rights are not granted by the government, but are inherent to individuals and cannot be taken away. The government's power is just and legitimate only when it derives from the consent of the governed, with the purpose of securing these rights for the people. If a government fails to protect these rights or becomes destructive to these ends, the people have the sovereign authority to abolish or alter it and establish a new government.