Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible [cannot be defeated] right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.

Question

Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible [cannot be defeated] right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.

—John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

Which Enlightenment ideas are expressed by John Adams in the quotation above?
A.
Government may declare independence from the people, and the people may not rebel.
B.
Government retains power only through the will and force of the armed forces.
C.
Government is legitimate with the consent of the people, and the people have the right to rebel.
D.
Government is responsible for maintaining order and peace through laws over the people.

Answer 1

C. Government is legitimate with the consent of the people, and the people have the right to rebel.

Answer 2

The Enlightenment idea expressed by John Adams in the quotation above is C. Government is legitimate with the consent of the people, and the people have the right to rebel. Adams argues that government exists for the common good and should protect the rights and well-being of the people. He emphasizes that the people have the inherent right to institute, reform, alter, or completely change the government if their safety, prosperity, and happiness are at stake.