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 is legitimate with the consent of the people, and the people have the right to rebel. b. government retains power only through the will and force of the armed forces. c. government is responsible for maintaining order and peace through laws over the people. d. government may declare independence from the people, and the people may not rebel.

Explanation:

The quote emphasizes that government is for the people's good and the people have the right to institute, reform or change it when needed. This aligns with the idea that government's legitimacy comes from people's consent and people have the right to rebel if government fails them, which is an Enlightenment - era concept.

Answer:

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