Question

We had these truths to be sollendent, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienatie rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, governments u inoses among mendering their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying it foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness -American Declaration of Independence, 1776

Which Enlightenment idea is found in the passage from the American Declaration of Independence?
A) Governments need checks and balances
B) Democratic elections represent the people
C) Reason is the best way to find truth
D) People are born with natural rights

Answer 1

The Enlightenment idea found in the Declaration of Independence is that people are born with natural rights like Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Governments are created to secure these rights, and if they fail, people have the right to form a new government.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from the American Declaration of Independence reflects the Enlightenment idea that people are born with natural rights. This concept is largely attributed to the influence of Enlightenment philosopher John Locke, who argued that individuals inherently possess the rights of life, liberty, and property, which Thomas Jefferson adapted as "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration. The document asserts that governments are established to protect these rights and derive their power from the consent of the governed, endorsing the concept that when a government fails to protect these fundamental rights, people have the authority to alter or abolish it and institute a new government that will ensure their safety and happiness.