Question

Which passage from the Declaration of Independence most clearly reflects the Enlightenment principle of addressing a broken social contract ?

Answer 1

That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.

Answer 2

Answer:

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, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Explanation:

The Declaration of Independence held many influences of the Enlightenment movement, especially the works of John Locke.

John Locke had an interesting view of the social contract, he believed that men had natural rights (life liberty and property) and that people united created a government that would secure these natural rights.

But Locke also defended that when the government failed to defend these rights people had the right to form a new government as a way to protect their rights.