Question

Which of these ideas from the Declaration of Independence explains the proper purpose of government

Answer 1

The correct answer is "To secure these rights, governments are instituted among men."

John Locke believed that the government's aim was to help all people achieve equality of natural rights, and that the government is obliged to protect and defend its citizens.

Locke rejected the belief that some people were born to rule divinely over others simply because they belonged to a higher class. Locke firmly believed that even a monarchy should reign only with the consent of the people. His radical beliefs at the time made him a target for British monarchs who believed that average citizens should stay in their place and outside government activities.