Question

read the excerpts from historical documents. from the declaration of independence: when in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of natures god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. from the declaration of sentiments: when, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different from that which they have hitherto occupied, but one to which the laws of nature and of natures god. how are these excerpts similar? both insist that drastic action requires a statement of rationale. both claim that revolutionary change requires hostile combat. both suggest that oppressive parties should be punished. both demand that laws change based on popular beliefs.

Explanation:

The Declaration of Independence and Declaration of Sentiments both emphasize that when significant changes (separation or a new position - taking) are to occur, a statement of reasons is needed. The Declaration of Independence states that when a people dissolve political bands, they should declare the causes for separation. The Declaration of Sentiments, in a similar vein, implies that when a portion of humanity assumes a new position, reasons should be made clear. There is no mention of hostile combat, punishment of oppressive parties, or changing laws based on popular beliefs in the given excerpts.

Answer:

Both insist that drastic action requires a statement of rationale.