USA HISTORY

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR(1861 1865)

GETTYSBURG ADDRESS

[SOURCES]
Which of the following best describes Jefferson’s view of the relationship between the people and their government in the Declaration of Independence?

(A) The people have the right to change their government whenever they wish, even for minor reasons.

(B) ** The people have the right to change or abolish their government if it infringes upon their rights.

(C) The people do not have a right to change or abolish their government, as people’s rights will be secure no matter what.

EXPLANATIONS BELOW

Concept note-1: -Thomas Jefferson is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, although Jefferson’s draft went through a process of revision by his fellow committee members and the Second Continental Congress.

Concept note-2: -Jefferson gradually assumed leadership of the Republicans, who sympathized with the revolutionary cause in France. Attacking Federalist policies, he opposed a strong centralized Government and championed the rights of states.

Concept note-3: -View of the nature of human beings: Despite Jefferson’s well-to-do upbringing, he was a strong believer in the abilities of the “common man.” He was convinced that people, when given enough information on an issue, were capable of making smart decisions.

Concept note-4: -Jefferson’s description of rights relates to my understanding of the American governmental system because we make laws, we have a court system, we vote and have representation in our democracy.