The Constitution and Today

The Declaration of Sentiments expands on Jefferson’s original phrase ‘all men are created equal’ by:

• including women in the statement of equality

• removing the idea of equality altogether

• focusing only on economic rights

• limiting equality to property owners

Equality might have been a controversial ideal in 1776 because:

• Many people in 1776 benefited from social hierarchies such as slavery and class distinctions.

• The idea of equality was universally accepted in 1776.

• All people in 1776 had equal rights and opportunities.

• Equality was not discussed or considered important in 1776.

Diana Pham’s experience compared to the ideals in the Declaration shows which of the following?

• It shows both progress and ongoing challenges in achieving equality.

• It shows that equality has been fully achieved for everyone.

• It shows that there has been no progress toward equality.

• It shows that the Declaration does not address equality at all.

Equality can influence other ideals like liberty or consent of the governed by:

• Ensuring all individuals have the same rights and opportunities, which supports liberty and fair governance.

• Limiting individual freedoms to maintain order.

• Allowing only a select group to participate in government.

• Reducing the importance of individual consent in decision-making.

Andrew Sullivan emphasizes ‘life’ and ‘liberty’ as mysteries. What does that suggest about their meaning?

• They are profound concepts that cannot be fully explained.

• They are simple and easily understood ideas.

• They are irrelevant to modern society.

• They are only important in legal contexts.

In the cartoon, ‘plus Health Care’ is added to highlight what aspect of modern interpretations of rights?

• It shows that modern interpretations of rights often include social benefits like health care.

• It suggests that health care is not considered a right in modern times.

• It implies that rights are being reduced in modern interpretations.

• It shows that health care is unrelated to rights in modern society.

The pursuit of happiness cannot exist without life and liberty. Do you agree?

• Yes, because life and liberty are essential for the pursuit of happiness.

• No, happiness can be pursued without life and liberty.

• Yes, but only liberty is necessary, not life.

• No, only life is necessary, not liberty.

Sullivan’s beliefs compared to Jefferson’s original wording show what about evolving interpretations of rights?

• They reflect changing views on the meaning and application of rights over time.

• They show that rights have always been interpreted the same way.

• They indicate that Jefferson’s wording was universally accepted without question.

• They prove that Sullivan disagreed with the concept of rights entirely.

The students at Tiananmen Square believed consent of the governed was lacking because:

• The government did not represent the people's will, which connects to democratic principles of popular sovereignty.

• The government held regular free elections, showing democratic consent.

• The students were protesting for more economic reforms, not political rights.

• The government allowed open criticism and participation from all citizens.

People demanding consent of the governed in non-democratic societies face which of the following risks?

• Imprisonment or persecution

• Receiving government support

• Gaining immediate democracy

• Being ignored by the public