The Declaration of Independence and Democracy

The Declaration of Independence contributed to the development of democracy by

• rejecting Parliament's stamp tax.

• allowing women to take part in government.

• suggesting that people are the source of power.

• demanding an end to salutary neglect.

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. According to the Declaration of Independence, the people have the right to alter or abolish a government if that government

• is a limited monarchy.

• violates natural rights.

• becomes involved in entangling alliances.

• favors one religion over another.

Which phrase from the Declaration of Independence most clearly reflects the idea that the people are the source of government?

• ... that all men are created equal, ...

• ... all men are . . . endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.

• ... deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed . . .

• ... governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes . . .

According to the Declaration of Independence, governments are established to

• protect the nation from invasion

• provide a system of checks and balances

• protect the natural rights of citizens

• guarantee voting rights for all citizens

"That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This statement from the Declaration of Independence indicates that government has a responsibility to

• promote economic development

• control the lives of citizens

• respond to the will of the people

• provide for the defense of the nation

For imposing taxes on us without our consent

• He has refused to enforce laws

• He has forbidden the legislature to pass laws

• He has forced persons to house military personnel

• He has taxed citizens without citizens giving their approval

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance

• He has refused to enforce laws

• He has forbidden the legislature to pass laws

• He has forced persons to house military personnel

• He has taxed citizens without citizens giving their approval

• He has denied judges their independence to make decisions based on case facts and the law alone

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislatures

• He has refused to enforce laws

• He has forbidden the legislature to pass laws

• He has forced persons to house military personnel

• He has taxed citizens without citizens giving their approval

• He has denied judges their independence to make decisions based on case facts and the law alone

He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount of payment of their salaries

• He has refused to enforce laws

• He has forbidden the legislature to pass laws

• He has forced persons to house military personnel

• He has taxed citizens without citizens giving their approval

• He has denied judges their independence to make decisions based on case facts and the law alone

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good

• He has refused to enforce laws

• He has forbidden the legislature to pass laws

• He has forced persons to house military personnel

• He has taxed citizens without citizens giving their approval

• He has denied judges their independence to make decisions based on case facts and the law alone