Question

Select the correct text in the passage. Which sentence in the excerpt the best supports the idea that the government has an obligation to provide certain things to its citizens?

Excerpt from message to the Congress in special session July 4, 1861

Answer 1

The sentence that best supports the government's obligation to its citizens is that it is the government's duty to secure rights, as it directly refers to the government's responsibility under the social contract. Taxes laid to provide for common defence and general welfare, and the promotion of general welfare in the Constitution also imply governmental obligations.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which sentence in the excerpts best supports the idea that the government has an obligation to provide certain things to its citizens, we can examine the content for references to governmental responsibilities and rights of citizens. One key excerpt is, "It is government's duty to secure rights, and if it fails, then '...it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.'" This embodies the principle of the social contract and highlights the obligation of the government to protect the inalienable rights of its citizens.

Additionally, the quote from Alexander Hamilton in "Tully No. II" discusses the power of Congress to lay taxes to provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States, which indirectly speaks to the government's role in ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

Lastly, the general phrase to promote the General Welfare from the Constitution indicates a broad responsibility on the part of the federal government to look after the interests of the populace, which has been interpreted in the modern era as including the provision of various social services funded by tax revenue.

Answer 2

The best sentence supporting the government's obligation to citizens is from the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that it is the government's duty to secure citizens' inalienable rights. Additionally, the Constitution and Hamilton's discourse affirm governmental responsibility to the common welfare and the right to tax to fulfill these duties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sentence from the excerpt that best supports the idea that the government has an obligation to provide certain things to its citizens is "It is government's duty to secure rights, and if it fails, then '...it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.'" This sentence is influenced by natural rights philosopher, John Locke, and is found in the Declaration of Independence. It highlights the concept of the social contract, specifying that the government has a responsibility to ensure its citizens' inalienable rights are protected.

Furthermore, the statement from Alexander Hamilton's 'Tully No. II' demonstrates another aspect of government obligation, by indicating that Congress's power to tax is essential to fulfill its role in paying debts and providing for the common defense and welfare, which is an obligation that the government has to manage responsibly.

Lastly, the Constitution itself outlines the role of government, particularly in the clause 'The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and Excises, to pay the debts, and provide for the common defence and general welfare of the United States,' which ties into the government's obligation to serve its citizens' needs and ensure general welfare through legislative powers; thus, indicating that certain provisions are to be ensured by the government for the people.