Which quotation from the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence supports the idea that the United States is based on a social contract? “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.” “[T]hey are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The quotation from the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence that best supports the idea that the United States is based on a social contract is:
“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
This statement encapsulates the core principle of the social contract theory, which posits that the legitimacy of governmental authority is derived from the consent of the people it governs. In a social contract, individuals agree to form a society and establish a government to protect their rights and ensure social order. This foundational idea emphasizes that the authority of the government is not inherent but granted by the people through their agreement and consent.
The notion of deriving “just powers” highlights that the government’s authority must be justifiable and aligned with the interests and welfare of the people. If a government oversteps its bounds or fails to serve the public good, the people have the right to withdraw their consent, which can lead to a re-evaluation or alteration of that government. This principle was significantly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that government exists to protect these rights.
Moreover, this quotation illustrates the democratic foundations of the United States, asserting that the government exists primarily to serve the will and needs of the people. The emphasis on consent indicates that citizens are active participants in governance, capable of influencing their leaders and the laws under which they live. This concept is fundamental to the democratic ideals that characterize the United States, reflecting the belief that a just government is one that listens to and respects the voice of its citizens.