Which Enlightenment idea is reflected in the Declaration of Independence's statement about governing authority?

The Declaration of Independence reflects the Enlightenment idea of the social contract between government and the people, emphasizing that the government's authority is derived from the consent of the governed. This notion asserts that the primary purpose of government is to protect the rights of individuals, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If a government fails to uphold these responsibilities or acts against the interests of its citizens, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.

This idea was significantly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed and should be accountable to the people it serves. The Declaration's assertion that governments are instituted to secure rights aligns with the belief that there is a mutual agreement—a social contract—between the rulers and the people, obligating the former to act in the best interest of the latter.

In contrast, other options reflect outdated or limited concepts of governance. The divine right of kings posits that monarchs derive their authority from God, which contradicts the democratic principles found in the Declaration. Economic control by the elite suggests a focus on class privilege, whereas the Declaration advocates equality. Unilateral government powers imply that authority is held without checks or balances, which directly opposes the