Question

Which major historical political theory of the origin of the state is most compatible with the Declaration of Independence?​

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

The social contract theory.

Explanation:

The Declaration of Independence (first written by Thomas Jefferson), had as main purpose to state that the 13 colonies now independent from Britain and to explain why that separation was needed. Under the reasons the Founding Fathers gave, the most compatible political theory is the Social Contract Theory.

The Social Contract Theory states that humankind lived without rules or laws but to establish order and to protect their rights and property they made two agreements, the first one is to respect each other and the second one to obey and trust the government, as long as the government provides protection of their rights, property and freedom.

Under the Declaration of Independence, there is a passage that explains that Britain failed to protect the rights, freedom and property of the Colonists, and that they were entitled the right to create a new Government, this passage was inspired by Thomas Jefferson's interpretation of John Locke's point of view in the Social Contract Theory.

• "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — 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". - Declaration of Independence.