Question

What do the words absolute Despotism mean as they are used in paragraph 2? (Declaration of Independence)

Answer 1

The words absolute Depotism in paragraph 2 of the Declaration of Independence refer to complete and cruel domination.  The word absolute Despotism describes leadership by a government that is completely free from constitutional or democratic controls on its power. In the 2nd paragraph of the Declaration of Independence the writer Thomas Jefferson first describes how a government should not be rejected for "light and transient causes"; he recognizes that small or temporary problems are not enough for a change of government. However, he continues to state that when there is "a long train of abuses and usurpations" then the people are right and even have a duty to declare their independence.