The concepts of life, liberty, and property (pursuit of happiness) are most closely associated with which of the following concepts?
A. divine right of kings
B. popular sovereignty
C. natural rights
D. limited government
C. natural rights
The concepts of life, liberty, and property (pursuit of happiness) are most closely associated with the concept of natural rights. To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options:
A. Divine right of kings: This concept asserts that a monarch's authority comes from a higher power and cannot be questioned. However, it is not directly related to the concepts of life, liberty, and property.
B. Popular sovereignty: This principle states that the power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that the people have the right to choose their own government. While popular sovereignty is an important concept in democracy, it is not specifically tied to the ideas of life, liberty, and property.
C. Natural rights: Natural rights refer to the fundamental rights that every individual possesses inherently, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are believed to be inherent, not granted by any government or authority.
D. Limited government: Limited government refers to a system in which the powers and functions of the government are restricted by a constitution or law, ensuring that it does not infringe upon individuals' rights. While limited government is important in protecting natural rights, it is not directly associated with the concepts of life, liberty, and property.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. natural rights, as they encapsulate the ideas of life, liberty, and property.