Question

Read the excerpt from the declaration of independence. which of the following describes the main idea of this passage? 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 its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.1 a. great britain has no right to tax its colonies without giving them political rights.

b. a government that does not protect people's rights should be overthrown. c. legitimate political authority can only be found in a democratic government. d. citizens in a monarchy can never truly experience political freedom.

Answer 1

The main idea of the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence is that it is the right of the people to overthrow a government that fails to protect their rights and happiness, suggesting that option B is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from the Declaration of Independence touches upon the idea that when a government fails to protect the rights and happiness of its people, it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to alter or abolish such a government and establish a new one.

This concept is known as the right of revolution, which was a fundamental principle during the American Revolution. The main idea of this passage is that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and should be replaced if they become destructive to the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Answer option B, "a government that does not protect people's rights should be overthrown," best encapsulates this main idea, mirroring the sentiment that people have the authority to change their government to ensure their safety and happiness.

Answer 2

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 its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. The main idea of this passage is a government that does not protect people's rights should be overthrown. The correct option is b. a government that does not protect people's rights should be overthrown.

Step-by-step explanation:

"...Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends...": This phrase suggests that if a government fails to fulfill its purpose of securing the rights of the people (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), action is justified.

"...It is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government...": The passage asserts the people's right to take corrective measures, including overthrowing the existing government, and establishing a new one.

"...Laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.": The passage emphasizes the importance of the new government being based on principles that ensure the safety and happiness of the people. The correct option is b. a government that does not protect people's rights should be overthrown.