Question

after asserting basic human equality and rights, thomas jefferson draws on the enlightenment idea of a social contract. read the highlighted paragraph. then answer the question below. preamble in congress, july 4, 1776 the unanimous declaration of the thirteen united states of america. 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 position to which the laws of nature and of nature’s god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which according to jefferson, which statement is true about the social contract? the role of government is to create social and economic equality. if everyone does not have equal access to resources, people have the right to form a new government to provide equality. governments exist to bring order to society. people do not have the authority to overthrow a government, even if the government abuses its power. people create government to protect their rights. if the government abuses its power, people have the right to create a new government to better protect their rights.

Explanation:

Jefferson's social contract view, as reflected in the Declaration of Independence, centers on people forming governments to safeguard their natural rights. If a government fails in this duty and abuses power, the people retain the right to replace it. The first option incorrectly focuses on economic equality, which is not Jefferson's core social contract focus here. The second option is wrong because it denies the people's right to overthrow an abusive government, which contradicts Jefferson's argument.

Answer:

People create government to protect their rights. If the government abuses its power, people have the right to create a new government to better protect their rights.