Question

excerpt from the declaration of independence
we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.—that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —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. prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. but when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.—such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. the history of the present king of great britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. to prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

1. according to the passage, what is the main reason people form governments?

a. to gain wealth and power
b. to enforce laws made by kings
c. to secure the rights of the people
d. to limit the freedoms of individuals

1. what does the declaration suggest people have the right to do if the government becomes destructive?

a. obey the government anyway
b. file a petition with the monarch
c. abolish or change the government
d. wait for the government to fix itself

Explanation:

For the first question: The text states governments are instituted to secure people's unalienable rights (Life, Liberty, pursuit of Happiness), deriving power from the governed. This is the core reason for forming governments.
For the second question: The text explicitly says when a government becomes destructive of people's rights, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it and institute new government.

Answer:

1. C. To secure the rights of the people
2. C. Abolish or change the government