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what does it mean in the Declaration of independence when it says "governments are instituted among men to secure these rights?"

User Kalbasit
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This refers to the rebounding aspect of social contract -- on the government's behalf of course -- in which the citizens have the power to overthrow or replace a government if it misuses its powers, breaking the social contract.

This quote in particular states that it is the government's duty to protect the rights of the people -- rather than taking advantage of the people.

User Castiblanco
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