Question

Read this sentence from the Declaration of Independence.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.


What does the word despotism refer to in this sentence?


a tyrannical government

a distant government

a controlling government

an inept government


Question 2


Part B


How does paragraph 2 expand on how despotism has led to the current tension between the colonies and Great Britain?


It highlights how a government led by a monarch is different from a democracy.

It provides a list of specific grievances against the king.

It questions the legality of Great Britain's rule over the colonies.

It explains the philosophy that supports separation from Great Britain.


please help asap, thank you so much :)

Answer 1

For part A, despotism refers to a tyrannical government. It is important to note the word "absolute" in the paragraph, which enhances the strength of the word despotism. A despot is a tyrant, someone who has gone beyond the point of controlling, to the point that they are unethical.

For part B, the paragraph explains the philosophy of the colonists.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first two choices can be ruled out easily. While they mention the advantages of democracy, their main intent is not to explain the differences in their governments, nor do they provide specific grievances. The third option is close, but the colonists focus their argument on the values of democracy, not on the legality of Monarchy.