“The democratic principle, enunciated in the words of the Declaration of Independence, declared that government was secondary, that the people who established it were primary. Thus, the future of democracy depended on the people, and their growing consciousness of what was the decent way to relate to their fellow human beings all over the world.” -Howard Zion
Which concept articulated in the Declaration of Independence is most accurately reflected by the quote above?
•the right to bear arms
•consent of the governed
•the unalienable right to happiness***
I agree with you.
I disagree.
Oh sorry ... Ms. Sue is right!
I usually tend to think of “the consent of the governed” as the over-riding part of the Declaration.
The concept articulated in the Declaration of Independence that is most accurately reflected by the quote above is the "consent of the governed."
The quote emphasizes that the democratic principle, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, regarded the government as secondary and the people who established it as primary. This sentiment aligns with the idea of "consent of the governed," which is one of the foundational principles of democracy. It means that governments derive their legitimacy and authority from the consent of the people they govern. In other words, the government exists to serve the people and should act in accordance with their wishes.
The quote also mentions the people's growing consciousness of how to relate to their fellow human beings worldwide. This highlights the importance of the people being aware of their role in shaping the future of democracy by fostering principles of decency, respect, and equality in their relationships with others.
Therefore, while the right to bear arms and the unalienable right to happiness are both important ideas mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, it is the concept of consent of the governed that is most accurately reflected in the quote provided.