The words absolute Depotism in paragraph 2 of the Declaration of Independence refer to complete and cruel domination. The word absolute Despotism describes leadership by a government that is completely free from constitutional or democratic controls on its power. In the 2nd paragraph of the Declaration of Independence the writer Thomas Jefferson first describes how a government should not be rejected for "light and transient causes"; he recognizes that small or temporary problems are not enough for a change of government. However, he continues to state that when there is "a long train of abuses and usurpations" then the people are right and even have a duty to declare their independence.