AH.4 The Declaration of Independence

Front

The idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property

Back

natural rights

Front

A philosophical movement emphasizing reason and the scientific method. Writers focused on government, ethics, and science, rather than on imagination, emotions, or religion. Held that the world is run by natural laws without the direct intervention of God.

Back

Enlightenment

Front

Advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.

Back

John Locke

Front

Which vocabulary term is described in the excerpt from the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence? “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.”

Back

Unalienable Rights

Answer explanation

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are your unalienable rights. That means that they can never be taken away from you.

Front

How are natural rights different from other rights?

Back

People are born with natural rights.

Front

What are the principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

Back

All men are created equal, all men have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, government gets its power from the people.

Front

Which statement best describes the role of government according to the Declaration of Independence? Options: “The main purpose of government is to expand and glorify the state”, “The main purpose of government is to protect the unalienable rights of individuals”, “The main purpose of government is to protect the rights and privileges of His Majesty, the King”, “The main purpose of government is to promote the general welfare of the community by taking steps toward social equality”

Back

The main purpose of government is to protect the unalienable rights of individuals.

Front

The Declaration of Independence states, “That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it.” Which Enlightened idea do these words describe?

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social contract between government and the people.