What was the core argument of the Declaration of Independence regarding natural rights and government legitimacy?

What was the core argument of the Declaration of Independence regarding natural rights and government legitimacy?

• A. People have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and governments derive authority from the consent of the governed; revolution may be warranted.
• B. A strong king is essential to maintain order and rights.
• C. Economic equality justifies centralized control.
• D. Religious authority legitimizes government power.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that people have inherent rights and that a government’s legitimacy comes from the people’s consent; when a government fails to protect those rights, the people may change or overthrow it. The Declaration asserts unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and it says governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. If a government becomes destructive of those rights, revolution may be warranted to establish a government that will secure the people's safety and rights. This isn’t about a strong king, economic central control, or religious sanction granting power—the text roots political authority in the protection of natural rights and the people’s consent.

The idea being tested is that people have inherent rights and that a government’s legitimacy comes from the people’s consent; when a government fails to protect those rights, the people may change or overthrow it. The Declaration asserts unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and it says governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. If a government becomes destructive of those rights, revolution may be warranted to establish a government that will secure the people's safety and rights. This isn’t about a strong king, economic central control, or religious sanction granting power—the text roots political authority in the protection of natural rights and the people’s consent.