"Here then is the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern th
e world; here too is the design and end of government, viz. freedom and security." The quotation above is from Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense. Which idea, present in the Declaration of Independence, is best expressed by this selection?
Select one:
A. the government may not arbitrarily abolish legislative bodies
B. King George III is a tyrant
C. governments exist to secure the rights of the people
D. people cannot be taxed without valid representation in government
D. governments exist to secure the rights of the people
Explanation:
In this quote, Thomas Paine states that it is necessary to form a government together (as in a social contact), because the laws of nature and good behavior without regulation are not enough to ensure that others do not violate your rights. People join together and form a government to protect these rights.
The correct answer is: governments exist to secure the rights of the people
