According to the Declaration of Independence, from where do governments get their "just powers"?
From the "consent of the governed."
What does the principle of "consent of the governed" mean?
It means that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use state power is only justified and lawful when consented to by the people over whom that power is exercised.
In a modern republic, how do citizens typically give their "consent" to the government?
Primarily through voting in free and fair elections for their representatives.
What right do the people have if a government becomes "destructive of these ends" (securing their rights)?
The Declaration states it is the "Right of the People to alter or to abolish it."
What is this right to "alter or abolish" the government called?
The Right of Revolution.
According to the Declaration, should people change their government for minor reasons?
No. The Declaration states that governments should not be changed for "light and transient causes" but only after a "long train of abuses and usurpations."
After abolishing a bad government, what does the Declaration say the people should do?
They should "institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles... as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
What was the purpose of the long list of grievances against King George III?
To provide the evidence of the "long train of abuses" and prove that the colonists were justified in declaring independence.
Ultimately, the principles of 'consent of the governed' and the 'right of revolution' place the final political power with whom?
